Hull New Theatre – until 2 November 2019
Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams
5*****
Bill Kenwright’s production of Cabaret is satisfyingly dark, tugging at every emotion.
I first saw Cabaret on stage in the 1970s in Sheffield and have seen various productions since, but this is the one that will stay with me, the production where all the stories are very complete and every part of the jigsaw fits together beautifully, with no cast member overshadowing the story.
Kander and Ebb’s musical is based on a stage play by John Van Druten, which in turn is based on Christopher Isherwood’s novel “Goodbye to Berlin”. It is set in Berlin in 1930-31, this is a Berlin of decadence, where anything goes, where “no-one should have to explain anything”. Three stories interplay, the first is the arrival of the American writer Cliff Bradshaw (Charles Hagerty) and his meeting and subsequent relationship with Sally Bowles (Kara Lily Hayworth); the second is the bittersweet relationship of Fraulein Schneider (Anita Harris) and Herr Schultz (James Paterson), and in the background is the story of Germany itself and the rise of the Nazi party. The Kit Kat Club and its Emcee (John Partridge) provide the decadence and commentary on the changing world of Berlin.
John Partridge is a stunning Emcee, from the outset when he appears in the camera lens to sing “Wilkommen”, he has the audience in the palm of his hands. He is in turns naughty and very dark and gave us the rawest emotion I have seen on stage. His voice is fabulous. This is a very clever performance as he never overshadows the stories, yet is always the centre of the action when he is on stage.
Unlike the film version of Cabaret Sally Bowles is not the central character. Kara Lily Hayworth’s Sally Bowles is vulnerable and needy and also ultimately rather shallow. This is an often understated performance, played with quietness and stillness. Her voice is beautiful and her performance of “Maybe this time” was achingly beautiful.
Charles Hagerty is an excellent Cliff Bradshaw, as he slowly begins to understand what is happening in the Berlin he has come to love and his hopes are dashed. He too has a beautiful voice.
Anita Harris is a wonderful Fraulein Schneider and James Paterson is perfect as Herr Schultz. They interact beautifully on the stage, providing a gentle humour at first and then so much emotion. Their songs were beautifully delivered.
Basienka Blake as Fraulein Kost gave me goosebumps with her reprise of “Tomorrow belongs to me”, a truly shocking moment.
The music is simply stunning, and Phil Cornwell and his band did a superb job. The Band’s interaction with the Emcee at the beginning of the second act was great.
Javier De Frutos’ choreography was outstanding and beautifully performed by the cast, the timing was superb. All the dancing in the Kit Kat Club was fabulous. I was particularly taken by the dancing in the background at the party and the very clever staging of “My Mother“, seen from backstage.
Everything comes together beautifully in this production, music, choreography, set, lighting and an incredible cast telling an enthralling story. This is often raunchy and naughty and not for the easily offended, but it has an important message about tolerance and “live and let live”.
This was like seeing Cabaret for the first time – I have fallen in love with it all over again. Funny, sad, naughty and ultimately thought provoking, this is a fabulous night out at the theatre.