Farewell Roxie, hello Velma: It’s a switch of roles as Denise Van Outen returns to Chicago

Having previously played Roxie Hart to critical acclaim, star of stage and screen Denise Van Outen is taking the stand as Velma opposite Alexandra Burke in Chicago at the Phoenix Theatre from 24 September 2018.

Denise Van Outen plays the role of Velma Kelly from 24 September 2018 through to 17 November 2018. The actress will join Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart, Duncan James as Billy Flynn, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart. Chicago is booking at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End until Saturday 5 January 2019.

Van Outen returns to Chicago, having previously played the role of Roxie Hart to critical acclaim in both the West End and on Broadway. Her other West End credits include Tell Me on a Sunday, Legally Blonde, Rent and her one-woman show Some Girl I Used to Know.

On television, Van Outen currently judges on Ireland’s Got Talent having previously judged on BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber. She can also be seen on ITV1’s daytime chat show Loose Women and in 2012 reached the final of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Following a successful UK and international tour, and after a five and a half year absence from London, the Kander and Ebb musical, winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, began performances at the Phoenix Theatre in London on 26 March 2018.

The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.