Denise Van Outen, who was due to start rehearsals September 10 for the role of Velma Kelly in the London revival of Chicago, has postponed her engagement following a stress fracture in her heel.

The London favorite will no longer play the role September 24–November 17; her replacement will be announced shortly. Van Outen’s new dates will also be announced at a later time.

Having previously played the role of Roxie Hart on Broadway and in the West End, Van Outen had been scheduled to star as Velma alongside Alexandra Burke’s Roxie Hart. The West End cast also includes Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart. Hollyoaks star Duncan James joins the cast at the Phoenix Theatre as Billy Flynn beginning September 10.

Van Outen has also appeared onstage in Tell Me on a Sunday, Legally Blonde, Rent, and her solo show, Some Girl I Used to Know. Television audiences may recognize her as one of the current judges of Ireland’s Got Talent.

Chicago returned to the West End in March after an original 15-year run at the Adelphi Theatre.


Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Ebb.