Edinburgh Playhouse – until 18 November 2017. Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan
5*****
This was the first time I had seen Cabaret in the theatre and was unsure of what to expect from the evening. With Will Young and Louise Redknapp headlining I knew I was in for an exciting and exhilarating performance however did not expect the outstanding show I was privileged to watch. The audience was full of a varied mixture of generations with a wide variety of people dressing for the occasion in various bright Cabaret attire.
From the moment the curtain was raised Will Young as Emcee welcomed everyone in song and also dressed in leather shorts and stockings which was an indication of the racy evening ahead. Will Young’s character comes across on a variety of levels, solemn, cheerful and on occasions cheeky which raised a number of laughs from the audience.
During Act 1 we are introduced to Louise Redknapp as Sally Bowles, a well spoken dancer and entertainer who has the audience in the palm of her hand with her dance moves and voice.
Charles Hagerty (Clifford Bradshaw) is introduced as an aspiring writer trying to find the inspiration for that one blockbuster that will set off his career. Hence his trip to Germany to find that story and unknown to him the start of event s that would change history for everyone he meets.
As the story unfolds we meet more key characters with Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz two lonely people trying to get by running a house with rooms to rent and a Fruit and Veg shop respectively and not being able to tell each other how they feel.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve we meet the performers from the Kit Kat Club as they sing, dance and perform in raunchy attire which leaves nothing to the imagination. As relevant to the times the hedonistic performances highlighted the freedom that people felt to be themselves and enjoy what life had to offer, regardless of the risks or consequences. Women and men used their bodies, and drugs to thrill and entice and prostitution was the norm.
In Act 2, the atmosphere changes as the realisation that Nazis are looming in and making changes throughout Germany
Although introduced in Act 1, Ernst Luwig (Nicholas Tizzard) really begins to show his true colours as we discover more about his business with sending Clifford on trips to Paris and his association with the upcoming chancellor Hitler and his feelings towards Jews and their place in Germany.
The theme tune to the show Cabaret is well received and recognised by the audience as well as the famous Money Song.
Overall I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would recommend people go this out-standing performance as they will not be disappointed . Will and Louise showcase how multi-dimensional their talents are as both give award winning performances . A night not to be missed which leaves you considering how the lives of numerous people changed forever.
Outstanding!!!