Theatre fans were left disappointed last night after Russell Watson failed to appear on stage at the Empire for Chicago's opening night due to illness.
Smash hit musical Chicago is a global phenomenon that's spawned sell-out tours and even a popular Hollywood film. Set in the 1920s jazz age, it tells the story of women accused and charged with murder, with star Velma Kelly basking in the attention of the captivated press while new girl on the cell block, Roxie Hart, also has her heart set on stardom.
Classical singer Russell Watson is starring as Billy Flynn, the unscrupulous lawyer who helps many women get away with their crimes, all while turning murder and mayhem into addictive, sensational headlines.
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The popular show opened last night at Liverpool's Empire Theatre, as the first stop in an extensive tour of the UK and Ireland which will see the cast treading the boards in Bristol, Aberdeen, Leeds, Wimbledon, Dublin and more before jetting off to Brazil.
But last night (February 7), Russell Watson was absent from the cast due to an illness, with understudy Liam Marcelino stepping up to play Billy Flynn instead. Fans were both surprised and disappointed by the singer's absence.
One audience member told The ECHO : "I went to see Chicago last night at the Empire for opening night and it was absolutely fabulous. Having received the tickets as a Christmas present, I'd been looking forward to it for weeks. I was really surprised when Billy Flynn made his entrance and it wasn't Russell Watson as advertised.
"Liam Marcelino who took the role was amazing and a real star of the show, but there were people in the audience who were disappointed it wasn't Russell Watson. I overheard one woman in the lobby saying she'd only bought the tickets to see him.
"There were signs up in the lobby that said 'tonight Billy Flynn will be played by Liam Marcelino', but we actually only saw those when we left after the show as the foyer was so busy before the show.
"It was odd there was no announcement on social media before or after the show to explain his absence. The whole cast were great and it was a wonderful show, but I can see why anyone who booked purely on the promise Russell Watson was starring would be gutted."
On Twitter, theatre goers shared their thoughts.
Michele said: "The show was wonderful last night. No Russell Watson but his understudy Liam Marcelino was excellent. Such a wonderful show."
Another audience member said: "Went to @LiverpoolEmpire to see #russellwatson in Chicago the musical tonight but he wasn’t there".
A third said: "Why didn’t Russell Watson appear in the opening night of Chicago in Liverpool. So disappointed. Only bought tickets to see him".
A spokesperson for the Liverpool Empire Theatre told The ECHO: "Unfortunately, Russell was ill and unable to perform last night. He is looking forward to returning to the stage from this evening."
Chicago is at the Empire until Saturday, February 12. You can book tickets here.
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