Soap star Chicago better than Broadway

If you're looking for a little bit of drama, a little bit of glamour and a whole lot of razzle dazzle then ditch your daily fix of EastEnders and head down to HM Theatre.

For this week only on stage you will find three talented soap stars singing their socks off in the hit musical Chicago.

What could be more enjoyable than a tale of murder, greed, corruption and exploitation told by a stunning star studded cast who can not only dance but sing – and with the odd flash of a whole lot of leg.

And bringing the production to life is the 10-piece live band which takes centre stage throughout the performance.

As well as their outstanding skills the musicians themselves even play the odd role in the drama, with musical director Ben Atkinson stealing the show.

Members of the audience cheered and clapped as leading lady Hayley Tamaddon (from Emmerdale) took to the stage as Roxy Heart.

Known for her flawless moves after taking the crown in 2010’s Dancing on Ice in, Tamaddon proved last night that she was just as supple without her skates.

And her co-star Sophie Carmen-Jones, who was playing Velma Kelly, shone just as bright. Although not a soap star the young actress’s comic timing, flawless vocals and impeccable dance skills put her on a par with any of the other famous faces in the theatre.

EastEnders stars Jessie Wallace and John Partridge also helped make the evening a memorable experience.

Although we are more accustomed to seeing Wallace behind the bar in The Queen Vic as the feisty Kat Slater, she certainly was not out of place treading the boards in the Granite City last night.

Taking to the stage as Matron, Wallace stunned the audience as she showed off her incredible voice in When You're Good to Mama and proved that her skills as an actress were wide ranging.

Partridge also delivered an outstanding performance as corrupt lawyer Billy Flynn, supported by his many glamorous chorus girls.

Based on real-life events back in the roaring 1920s, the story follows nightclub singer Roxie Hart who shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep themselves from death row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn.

Having originally seen Chicago on Broadway I thought it would be impossible to beat the talent I observed there. But as I was leaving the theatre last night, one man turned to me and said “that was better than anything I have seen in New York”.

And, on this occasion I think I may have to agree.