Gary Wilmot sets to razzle dazzle in Chicago

Get ready to razzle and dazzle as Chicago is coming to the Wycombe Swan this month.

The smash-hit musical, that sees Gary Wilmot star as Billy Flynn, is to start off its national tour at the High Wycombe venue from Monday, June 15, to Saturday, June 20.

Speaking to the Advertiser two days into rehearsals, Gary said: “I am really enjoying it so far. I have been wanting to do this show for about 12 years. I am probably the best-looking Billy Flynn,” he joked.

He will star alongside Emma Barton (pictured), who plays Roxie Hart and is known for her role in EastEnders as Honey Mitchell. Her other television roles include BBC1’s Spooks and Channel 4’s Secret History.

Speaking about his character, Gary, a Beaconsfield resident who has starred in West End musicals such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Me And My Girl, said: “In a show such as this, it is the little things that makes it different. I would like to think my own personality and interaction with the audience does this. I like audience participation as, after all, we are in the same room.”

Gary, whose solo albums include The Album, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, said he loved all the songs in the musical, being choreographed by Ann Reinking.

“I look very handsome,” he said. “I wear an evening suit and tuxedo and there are no costume changes. They don’t even put a grand gold cloak around me.”

The show is produced by David Ian Productions in association with Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler.