From Billy Mitchell to Billy Flynn – Emma Barton wowed the crowd as Chicago’s Roxie Hart at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre last night.

Known for her role as the ditzy Honey Mitchell in Eastenders, Barton executed a character with completely different attributes, and excelled in her performance. She and the cast transported the audience back to 1920s Chicago, where jazz and liquor provides a veil for illicit affairs and murderous acts.

Following mesmerising routines from dancers in figure-hugging black costumes, Gary Wilmot took his place as the wide boy lawyer Billy Flynn. Richard Gere’s depiction of Flynn in the film may be a hard act to follow, but Wilmot gave his best and played a charming and loveable Flynn.

Both the cast and the orchestra gelled together well to create a fascinating and convincing atmosphere – the orchestra even providing an energetic medley of the show’s music as the audience exited the auditorium.

Allana Cutter