Chicago UK and Ireland Tour Cast Revealed for New Wimbledon Theatre
A Star-Studded Cast Heads to Wimbledon
Wimbledon theatregoers have something to look forward to in early 2027. The producers of Chicago have confirmed the full cast for the UK and Ireland tour, and the show opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Friday 5 February, running until Saturday 13 February before moving on to other cities. For a local audience, it is a rare chance to see a big-name West End production without leaving the borough.
The headline news is Lauren Oakley, the Strictly Come Dancing professional, who takes on the role of Roxie Hart. It marks her musical theatre debut, which will interest anyone who followed her on the dancefloor. Opposite her is Adam Garcia, a two-time Olivier Award nominee whose stage credits include The Bodyguard, Saturday Night Fever and Kiss Me Kate, as the slick lawyer Billy Flynn. Charlotte Gooch, who has appeared in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Singin’ in the Rain, plays Velma Kelly, while Jonathan Dryden Taylor returns to the musical stage as Amos Hart.
The role of Mama Morton is shared between two powerhouse performers. Soul singer Mica Paris, a regular on Fame: The Musical and Mama I Want to Sing, and X Factor winner Sam Bailey, known for Mamma Mia! The Party and Fat Friends The Musical, will alternate at selected venues. Rounding out the principal cast is R. Leonard as Mary Sunshine, and a large ensemble that includes Bethany Adamson, Kofi Aidoo-Appiah and Gabby Antrobus, among others. Many of these performers are local talent who have trained in and around London, which makes the company feel very much part of our city’s theatre scene.
Why the Show Still Matters on Our Doorstep
Chicago has been around for decades, but it still feels fresh. Set in the jazz-age Chicago of the 1920s, the story follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who kills her lover after he threatens to leave her. She hires a sharp defence lawyer who turns her case into a media frenzy, and the pair manipulate the press, the public and her jailhouse rival, Velma Kelly. It is a sharp, funny look at celebrity and spin, and it lands just as well today as it did when it first hit the stage.
The musical is based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, and its celebrated score and staging come from the team of Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse and John Kander. The production has collected six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, and it holds the record as the longest running American musical in both Broadway and West End history. Those are impressive credentials for a show that remains a magnet for first-time theatregoers and seasoned fans alike.
For residents who like to make a night of it, the show is a good excuse to explore more of the capital. Many visitors combine a performance with a wider day out, perhaps starting with a walk past Big Ben and along Whitehall before catching a train back to the suburbs. It is one of many ideas for those looking into london attractions and where to go in London, especially if you want a mix of history, architecture and entertainment in a single trip.
What Locals Should Know and What Comes Next
If you are planning to see Chicago at the New Wimbledon Theatre, the key dates to note are Friday 5 February to Saturday 13 February 2027. Popular musicals at local venues tend to sell quickly, especially on weekends and for the opening nights, so it is worth signing up for the theatre’s mailing list or following its official channels for pre-sale notices. Keep an eye out for any announcements on which performers will play Mama Morton on specific dates, as the role is shared between Mica Paris and Sam Bailey at selected venues.
Getting to the theatre is straightforward for most of us. Wimbledon is well served by rail and bus links, and the town centre has a good choice of restaurants and bars for a pre-show dinner. If you are travelling from further afield, check the timetable in advance, as late-evening services can be less frequent after a performance. Many theatregoers also find it helpful to plan a quiet walk home rather than relying on a taxi at peak times.
Looking ahead, the tour will continue after its Wimbledon run, so this is a good moment for local schools, dance groups and drama societies to consider a visit. Theatre companies often offer group discounts or education workshops around touring productions, and it is worth asking the box office. Watch for further announcements about additional dates, ticket releases and any community outreach from the production team. Whether you are a longtime fan or someone who has never seen a live musical, this is an opportunity to see a landmark show close to home.
Source: Cast announced for CHICAGO UK and Ireland tour
Fans planning to catch the show at Wimbledon Theatre can also visit London to explore the city’s world-class theatre scene before or after the performance.
Fans visiting London for the show can also pair their evening at Wimbledon with a stroll past buckingham palace.
