International recording artist and pop star, Sinitta, returns to the role of Mama Morton for a select few dates in the UK and Ireland tour of Chicago which comes to the Regent Theatre from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 November. We caught up with Sinitta to chat all about this iconic production, and all that jazz.

You previously made your return to the stage after 20 years with the role of Mama Morton, and you’re now returning for a limited run on the UK and Ireland tour - what is it about Mama that keeps you coming back?

Mama Morton is one of the most iconic roles in theatre! I have never played a part like this before, and I had to really stretch myself to find my way of doing Mama, with my tiny stature and not having a belter voice like traditional Mamas. I feel like a real actress again when I do this!

Are you excited to revisit the role for the tour, and will you be approaching her differently this time around?

I am so excited to be returning. I made some really good friendships in the cast too. This time, I would like to take Mama a little bit further than last time. I feel more confident now; it had been 20 years since I had been on stage before, and lockdown had dwindled away the little bit of confidence I had left. I actually had to force myself to do it last time because I knew it would help me get back into the world, amongst people, and of course, back on stage.

We were the first show back in a lot of theatres after the pandemic, and you could feel the audience so relieved and happy to be dressed up, out, and able to mingle again.

Chicago is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history. Why do you think the production stands the test of time?

The music and choreography are inimitable—so timeless and clever, with smash hit after smash hit, played by a live, incredible band who are onstage and an interactive part of the show. The simplicity, cleverness, comedy, and the crazy storyline! I mean, who would think a show about sexy, beautiful women murdering their partners would be entertaining and funny?!

The cast is a group of the most hardworking triple threats. It’s a real treat, a feast!

Touring a musical is no easy feat. How do you keep yourself on top form both physically and mentally?

We usually find places locally where we can work out together and fun food places to eat. I approach these tours like mini paid holidays, where I get to explore the cities and then be a part of the entertainment culture in the evenings.

What are you excited about visiting/do you have a personal connection to:

I’ve actually never spent a week in Stoke before, so I’ll be Googling the cities’ places of interest, Pilates and hot yoga studios, and any health food stores or restaurants—washed down with a little tequila at a bar if I can find one!!!

Tickets can be bought online at atgtickets.com/stoke.