Musicals are Back at Newcastle Theatre Royal
Chicago and Hairspray are bringing the magic of musicals back to Newcastle Theatre Royal
Legendary Tony Award-winning show Chicago (Monday 28th October–Saturday 2nd November) brings its signature style with an all-star cast, sensational choreography, unforgettable songs, and a captivating story of ambition, intrigue and jazz-age glamour. Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs ‘Cell Block Tango’ and ‘All That Jazz’.
In Chicago, stage and soap star Faye Brookes and much-loved performer and TV personality Brenda Edwards perform as Roxie Hart and Mama Morton respectively. Leading West End talent Djalenga Scott revisits the role of Velma Kelly and is joined by another Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn, who is returning to Newcastle Theatre Royal for the first time since 2023.
Set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.
Fan-favourite musical Hairspray dances its way back to Newcastle Theatre Royal for a much-anticipated weeklong run (Tuesday 11th–Saturday 16th November) after breaking box office records and entertaining audiences in the West End, on Broadway, and on the big screen since 1988.
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton (Shrek The Musical; The Addams Family) will star as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, alongside Theatre Royal audience favourite, Neil Hurst (most recently starring as Dave in The Full Monty) as Edna Turnblad. No stranger to the Newcastle Theatre Royal stage, Joanne Clifton previously delighted audiences as Janet in The Rocky Horror Show and as the lead in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Hairspray features the timeless story of heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart, and even bigger dreams. Tracy Turnblad dreams to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin. When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ’do?
There’s still time to grab the final tickets remaining for these two iconic musicals, both promising unforgettable entertainment at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Chicago and Hairspray are sure to dazzle, delight, and leave you dancing in your seat!
Tickets for both productions can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
