West End Top Star Bradley Jaden to Debut as Billy Flynn in Japan Tour of 'Chicago'; Interview Arrives

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year since the premiere of its revival version on Broadway in New York, the mega-hit musical Chicago has been performed in over 500 cities in 38 countries and in 13 languages. The 1996 version continues to run and has captivated audiences worldwide for many years as a representative long-running show on Broadway. An interview with Bradley Jaden, who will come to Japan to play the role of the sharp-witted lawyer Billy Flynn in the Japan tour in the summer of 2026, has arrived! --What were your honest feelings when you were cast? I was surprised. I never thought I would be able to appear in 'CHICAGO,' it's the highest honor. 'CHICAGO' is a great work in musical history, featuring amazing performers. I feel truly fortunate to be a part of its history, especially in its memorable 30th anniversary year. I've had opportunities to appear in world-famous musicals like 'Les Misérables,' 'The Phantom of the Opera,' and 'Wicked,' but to be able to participate in this work that has fascinated so many audiences around the world is amazing! Japan is one of my favorite places in the world. So, I am truly happy to be able to return to Japan with 'CHICAGO.' --Please tell us about the charm of 'CHICAGO.' It's an irresistible work for anyone who admires musicals. It's one of the longest-running American musicals in the world. One of my best friends was in the London version, and I went to see it many times, and I also recently saw it on Broadway. What I always feel is the simple beauty of this work. First, the music is wonderful and full of famous songs. Even if you haven't seen 'CHICAGO,' you may have heard the representative number 'Razzle Dazzle.' Also, the choreography by Bob Fosse is incredibly amazing. It's truly a symbol of this work. I went to a musical college but learned minimal dance. Still, I am very happy to be part of this rich show that brings together the talents of these creators. The dancing of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly is particularly spectacular, so I can't wait to watch them from the wings. The costumes and sets are beautiful, and the entire work is like a high-class dish. All the wonderful ingredients to make a perfect musical are here, so I'm sure you will enjoy it. --As you say, 'CHICAGO' is a show where music, dance, and story are beautifully fused. What are you keeping in mind for your performance? I believe I must respect the foundation of this work. It has been running for 30 years, so I must express it as it is, without diminishing its value. I want to build my character in the upcoming rehearsals, paying attention to what the direction will be and what the director expects of me. --The character you play, Billy Flynn, is a skilled lawyer who is also cunning. How do you want to play him? I have played villains before, and I think that good and evil have their own aspects, and how they are perceived changes depending on which is emphasized. I have seen many actors play this iconic role of Billy Flynn over the years, and I have my own ideas on how to play it. I hope to bring something fresh and exciting to the role. I want to show the Japanese audience a new side of me. --Billy Flynn has an impressive scene surrounded by many women with feathers. Can you imagine yourself in that? Hahaha! Of course, it will be absolutely wonderful (laughs). Even there, I want to exist while cherishing the director's intention of how they want to express it. As I mentioned earlier, this work has a beauty in its simplicity. I want to exist properly within that composition. --Unlike serious works like 'Les Misérables' and 'The Phantom of the Opera,' the black comedy aspect is also part of 'CHICAGO's' fun. Absolutely! It has a strong comedic tone, plenty of darkness, and many funny scenes. Also, while 'Les Misérables' and 'The Phantom of the Opera' proceed entirely through song, 'CHICAGO' has dialogue exchanges, so there are many moments to enjoy it as a play. --Bradley, you captivate us with your rich, vibrant, and glossy voice. With such singing ability, you could have been a rock or pop singer, or even an opera singer. Why did you become a musical actor? I just love becoming different people. Javert, Enjolras, Raoul, Fiyero... I love nothing more than freely creating new characters with my own body and spirit, and living a completely different life from my own. This time, Billy Flynn is being added to the list, and I can't stop being excited. --Finally, a message for your fans in Japan. The entire company is extremely honored to bring this wonderful show to Japan, especially in this memorable 30th anniversary year. I look forward to seeing you at 'CHICAGO.' MINIKITENE! Advance ticket sales through play guides start today, May 18th (Mon) at 10:00. Please check the official website for details. https://chicagothemusical.jp WHO'S WHO Bradley Jaden [Billy Flynn] A top musical actor based in London's West End and active internationally. He received acclaim for his role as Javert in the musical Les Misérables World Tour Spectacular held in Japan in the summer of 2025. His past 'Les Misérables' credits include Javert (Sondheim Theatre 2019 & 2024, Queen's Theatre 2018), Enjolras in the staged concert version (Gielgud Theatre 2019), Enjolras in the 30th Anniversary production (Queen's Theatre 2015), and Lesgles (Queen's Theatre 2014). Other major stage credits include 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends,' Raoul in 'The Phantom of the Opera,' Fiyero in 'Wicked,' 'Ghost,' and 'Shrek the Musical.' He is an internationally active and talented performer with musical concert performances worldwide ('The Reunion' (Tokyo), 'Do You Hear the People Sing?' (Manila), 'Bradley Jaden Live in Concert' (London, New York, Budapest, Trieste, Taipei, Japan)) and television appearances ('EastEnders,' 'Emmerdale,' 'Sugar Rush,' 'Britain's Got Talent'). IG - @bradleyjaden X - @BradleyJaden Djalenga Scott [Velma Kelly] Trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She appeared as Velma Kelly in the UK tour of 'CHICAGO.' Other credits include Bombalurina in 'Cats' (Kilworth House Theatre), Lily St. Regis in 'Annie' (West End, UK/European tour), Rizzo in 'Grease' (Curve Theatre, Leicester, Dubai), Anita in 'West Side Story' (UK tour), Magenta in 'The Rocky Horror Show' (European tour), Mona, Liz, Velma in 'CHICAGO' (West End), Harley Quinn in 'Batman Live' (US tour), 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' (West End), 'Beautiful and the Damned' (West End), Jazmin/Alex understudy in 'Flashdance' (original UK tour), Carmen in 'FAME' (European tour), and Brooke in 'NOISES OFF' (Birmingham Repertory Theatre). She has also appeared in the films 'Beast' (Agile Films), as Alex in 'I Give It A Year' (StudioCanal), and as Scarlett/Esme in the TV series 'Trapped!' (BBC). Sarah Soetart [Roxie Hart] Trained at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp and national ballet schools in Belgium and the UK. She has played Roxie Hart in 'CHICAGO' at the Phoenix Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, Garrick Theatre, and on multiple tours. Other credits include Helen Berger in 'The Glenn Miller Story' (London Coliseum), Elsa in 'The Sound of Music' (UK tour), Ivy Smith in 'On the Town' (English National Opera, Théâtre du Châtelet), 'Kiss Me, Kate,' 'FAME' (Victoria Palace Theatre), Victoria in 'Cats' (New London Theatre), and Louise understudy in 'Carousel' (UK tour). She has also performed at the Royal Albert Hall for the Disney's '101' premiere and the 'Johann Strauss Gala.' UK Company STORY In the jazz age of the 1920s, Illinois, Chicago. A newcomer arrives at the jail where former nightclub dancer Velma Kelly is incarcerated for killing her cheating husband and sister. Her name is Roxie Hart. An aspiring actress fed up with her dull husband Amos, Roxie has murdered her lover Fred Casely who tried to leave her. Not to be outdone by Velma, who has become a star and the center of media attention with the help of corrupt, slick lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie also hires Billy and uses the media to become a media darling herself, portrayed as a 'tragic heroine' of self-defense. How far will Roxie's spotlight-seeking success go? What about the revenge of her rival Velma? The battle for fame between two women and one man is about to begin. Performance Overview [Performance Name] Broadway Musical 'Chicago' 30th Anniversary Japan Tour Dates: August 19 (Wed) - August 30 (Sun), 2026 (16 performances total) Venue: Tokyu Theatre Orb (Shibuya Hikarie 11F) Dates: September 3 (Thu) - September 6 (Sun), 2026 (6 performances total) Venue: Orix Theater [Cast] Billy Flynn: Bradley Jaden, Velma Kelly: Djalenga Scott, Roxie Hart: Sarah Soetart, and others from the UK Company [Lyrics] Fred Ebb [Music] John Kander [Book] Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse [Original Production Direction & Choreography] Bob Fosse [Original NY Production Direction] Walter Bobbie [Original NY Production Choreography] Ann Reinking [Ticket Prices (tax included, all seats reserved)] S Seat: 18,500 yen, A Seat: 15,800 yen, B Seat: 12,800 yen, C Seat: 8,800 yen Matinee: S Seat: 17,500 yen / A Seat: 13,500 yen / B Seat: 11,000 yen / C Seat: 8,000 yen Evening (tax included, all seats reserved): S Seat: 16,500 yen / A Seat: 12,500 yen / B Seat: 10,000 yen / C Seat: 7,000 yen *No admission for preschool children. *One ticket per person is required. *Except in cases of performance cancellation, tickets will not be refunded for customer's personal health reasons.