"This is a dream role for me – I wanted to play it for many years, since I saw it in London with Henry Goodman.”

So says Gary Wilmot, who plays the lawyer Billy Flynn in the touring version of Chicago – arguably the most successful musical revival of the last decade.

Based on a true story from the 1920s, Billy is the lawyer brought in to defend the glamorous Roxie Hart, who is accused of murdering her lover in cold blood.

His unique way of dealing with the case turns the young unknown chorus girl into a notorious cause celebre.

Not only does the musical create a riveting courtroom drama, it also points to the way the cult of celebrity was to develop throughout the 20th century.

“I see Billy as a sharp, single-minded and brilliant lawyer,” says Gary. “He’s not a political person, all he cares about is the razzle-dazzle.

“It’s just brilliant to sing that song [Razzle Dazzle] in a courtroom – saying it is all showbusiness. I relish doing that one.”

The original Chicago was taken to Broadway in 1975, and played for just over two years.

It was its revival in 1996 which turned it into the classic it is today.

“The original Chicago was a traditional musical – it had sets and lots of costumes,” says Gary.

“For the revival [choreographer and actor] Ann Reinking came along, who was a lover of Bob Fosse [who co-wrote the book for the original musical]. She thought of doing it as a tribute to Bob, in a concert version, which is what this show is.

“The first half of her show is just song after song after song – there’s very little script and it moves very quickly.

“It is a beautifully-crafted piece of work.”

What makes Chicago unusual is its minimal approach and the position of the orchestra centre stage, with the actors moving among them.

“All the costumes are black and the whole set is black,” says Gary. “Yet you come out having seen one of the most vibrantly coloured shows you’ve ever seen. There is so much energy on stage.”

In the West End, Chicago has become famous for its guest stars taking on the roles of either Billy, Roxie, Roxie’s rival Velma Kelly or the prison governess Mama Morton.

Famous names of the past 12 years include Sacha Distel, Denise Van Outen, Jill Halfpenny, Jennifer Ellison, Bonnie Langford, David Hasselhoff, John Barrowman, Anita Dobson, Tony Hadley, Nigel Planer and Alison Moyet.

“It’s a bit like a panto,” admits Gary. “The focus of the show shifts depending on who is the big name. They can’t just re-write the story, but the balance of the show shifts, whether it is towards Mama Morton or Billy Flynn.”

* Starts 7.30pm Dec 16 & 17, 5.30pm and 8.30pm Dec 18 and 19, 5pm Dec 19, 3pm Dec 20. Tickets from £17.50. Call 01273 709709.