June 2 (Bloomberg) -- Jerry Springer has been shocking the audience with tabloid tidbits on his TV talk show for almost two decades. Now he is doing the same -- on the London stage.

As Billy Flynn in the hit musical “Chicago,” you might think Springer’s performance would recall a car crash of the grisliest sort. You’d be wrong.

He’s an absolute hoot. Springer communicates an infectious joy at being on stage. Occasionally a wide grin spreads over his face like a sunburst. It’s almost entirely innocent of any theatrical purpose, and as irresistible as watching puppies playing in a basket.

His sense of rhythm may be a little off, his hand gestures are too flappy, and he’s unlikely to win any awards for the depth of his characterization. Who cares? Flynn becomes him.

Springer is a lawyer-turned-showman who parades desperate people on his eponymous TV circus. Flynn, his character, is a lawyer-cum-showman who parades his desperate clients in a circus of fabricated courtroom theatricals. Both exist in a world of tabloid journalism. He almost doesn’t have to act. It’s so neat, it hurts. Plus, Springer’s show is filmed in Chicago and he’s starring in “Chicago.” Could the glove fit more snugly?

Smooth Voice

There’s the sheer pleasure of watching a genial TV pundit in a fish-out-of-water situation and having a good time. And who knew that he could sing? Despite a few rhythmical blips in the complicated number, “We Both Reached for the Gun,” his delivery is beguiling, his tuning good, and his voice surprisingly smooth.

Acting-wise, he substitutes charm for talent. You wouldn’t want to sit through his King Lear or Macbeth; leave those to Jay Leno. Here, Springer is thoroughly enjoyable. Kudos to the producers who spotted this fun opportunity and invited him for what should be a successful six-week run.

It couldn’t hurt that Springer has fans numbered in the millions. If some of them feel like coming to London to see him, I’ll wager they’ll have a good time.

They’ll certainly be wowed by the rest of the cast, which is one of the best I’ve seen in this long-running production.

Aoife Mulholland is superb as Roxie Hart, the murderess who learns that she can put her second-rate vaudeville skills to good use while in court. She retains a core of child-like innocence during her tribulations that is mighty appealing.

The leggy Leigh Zimmerman is electric as her homicidal rival Velma, and brings a note of vulnerability and weary resignation to the role that I hadn’t seen before.

The company numbers “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle” go like rockets.

All this, and a Jerry Springer newly turned hoofer too. A great start to the summer. Rating: ***1/2.

“Chicago” is playing at the Cambridge Theatre in London. Jerry Springer’s stint as Billy Flynn started yesterday and runs for six weeks. For more information, go to http://www.chicagothemusical.com or +44-871-297-0777.

(Warwick Thompson is a critic for Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)

What the Stars Mean:
****      Excellent
***       Good
**        Average
*         Poor
(No stars)Worthless

To contact the writer on the story: Warwick Thompson, in London, at warwicktho@aol.com.

Last Updated: June 2, 2009 06:44 EDT