It's the blockbuster musical which refuses back down. New challengers may appear but Chicago remains the sexy, sassy and stylish success you really do have to see.

Back in Manchester for a sell-out run, the show has lost none of its allure with a great cast who transport you into the sleazy world of 1920s Chicago.

Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart and Kevin Clifton, Billy Flynn in Chicago (Picture: Paul Coltas)For plot newcomers - where have you been? - nightclub singer Roxie Hart murders her lover, ends up in jail alongside many other murderous women and aided by lawyer Billy Flynn becomes a tabloid sensation in a bid to avoid the hangman's noose.

There is an over-arching story but Chicago is very much as series of set pieces. With the orchestra on stage, banked behind the performers. the audience is introduced to Mama Morton the inmate who runs the jail; Velma Kelly the equally desperate murderess and a host of Runyon-esque characters as prison becomes nightclub for the night.

Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart is something of a revelation. Leave any impressions you have of her on Coronation Street behind, returning to Chicago for this UK tour she's truly in her element displaying great comic timing.

Faye Brookes (Roxie Hart) and the company (Picture: Paul Coltas)Former Strictly champion turned musical theatre star Kevin Clifton brings just the right amount of the shyster to Billy Flynn. And boy, can Kevin from Grimsby sing. You expect the moves but you don't expect the voice.

Djalenga Scott as Roxie's prison rival Velma Kelly is all sinuous movements and attitude. But she also shows her character's vulnerable side. And Brenda Edwards, who has effectively made the part of Mama Morton her own, is the powerhouse fixer who can seemingly sort anything - for a price.

Brenda Edwards (Mama Morton) and Djalenga Scott (Velma Kelly) in Chicago (Picture: Paul Coltas)It helps that Chicago is packed with great Kander and Ebb musical numbers but they still need to be delivered with aplomb for the show to really work. With this company that was never in danger and the routines are so sharp, so slick, it's all a bit of a masterclass.

With stark lighting and predominantly black costumes there is a marvellously dark edge to proceedings which just makes the whole production more enjoyable.

There's no doubt about it, Chicago still has the power to razzle dazzle em.

Chicago is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until Saturday, Details from www.atgtickets.com