JUSTICE is revealed as a three-ring circus when lawyer, defendant and prosecution give celebrity performances in a cynical tale where trial for murder is presented as entertainment.

Chicago the Musical is about wannabe star Roxie Hart (Jane Fowler) who dreams of Vaudeville whilst on trial for killing her lover and instructs hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn (admirably played by John Altman - Nick Cotton from EastEnders).

Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, Chicago is based in the roaring twenties with hot jazz and steamy singers, and they don't get any steamier than sultry murderess Velma Kelly (Amra-Faye Wright) reminiscent of Marlene Dietrich and whose stage presence makes you forget all the rest! Crucial to the show is its dramatic dance, with seductive and sophisticated routines expressing the tone of the whole show, thanks to Gary Chryst's re-creation of Ann Reinking's outstanding choreography.

On stage and in the dock is the wonderful 14-piece orchestra directed by James Dunsmore who receive rapturous applause for their hilarious intro to the second half.

Roxie's apologetic husband, Amos Hart, is played brilliantly by Martin Callaghan., endearing himself to the audience with his interpretation of "Mr Cellophane."

Six murderesses high-kick, shimmy and gyrate in silk and black fishnets to Cell block Tango, Billy and Roxie perform a superb ventriloquist piece, Billy as ringmaster directs the circus performers in the courtroom and Roxie and Velma razzle-dazzle in a raunchy sister act. Just as the verdict is announced, the media, who have followed Roxie throughout the proceedings, hear of a new story breaking outside and forsake her. "They didn't even want my picture," she whispers, heartbroken. Chicago is my kind of show. It's a triumph of a musical and runs until October 6.

CHICAGO, Opera House, Manchester

RUTH LOFT