Gifted Knutsford Academy students stage hit musical Chicago

Students at Knutsford Academy have stepped back to the 1920s to depict the real-life drama.

Set in a world of jazz and crime, the story centres on the unlikely alliance of two singers, each charged with murder.

Charlie Hill as Billy Flynn on stage with dancers (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

Head of performing arts Helen Mayne said: “This is a high energy show right from the start. “Some of musical theatre’s best-loved songs are in there, ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Cell Block Tango’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’.

“Our company has worked together seamlessly right from our initial rehearsals back in September.

A cast of 50 has been rehearsing since September (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

“The show features big songs and big dance numbers, but most importantly it requires depth of characterisation from its entire cast, and the students have brought that in abundance.”

Amy Lomax as Roxie Hart (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

A cast of 50 has been diligently rehearsing for the show since September.

Jessica Edge as Mama Morton (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

Students are making a foray into the world of immersive theatre as members of the audience can sit within the performance space.

Charlie Hill as Billy Flynn (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

Newspaper coverage of the trial helps to launch the career of the up-and-coming singing star, Roxie Hart but the storyline doesn’t fight shy of shady deals, passion and courtroom drama.

Newspaper coverage of the trial helps to launch the career of up-and-coming star Roxie Hart (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

For the students there has been a strong learning element. Head of dance Lisa Scott, who choreographed the production, said: “The biggest challenge for the cast has been to learn Bob Fosse’s jazz movements.

“Fosse’s distinctive jazz style emerged in the 20s when he was a choreographer.

The show features big songs and big dance numbers (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

“We now recognise the style from curved shoulders, hip rolls and thrusts, turned-in knees and toes, sideways shuffling, finger snaps, and the famous jazz hands.”

From left, Jessica Edge as Mama Morton and Amy Rice as Velma (Image: Sarah Jane King Photography)

Students are making a foray into the world of immersive theatre as members of the audience can sit within the performance space.

The show runs from Tuesday, December 12 to Saturday, December 16.

Both Friday and Saturday’s performances are already sold out.

Tickets are available from the Bexton Road reception.