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Cabaret is currently playing at
the Lyric Theatre. The London musical is set in
1930’s Berlin amidst the political unrest of pre war
Germany and the sex and scandal of the seedy Kit Kat
club.
It is the story of young, impressionable English cabaret
performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with the
young American writer Clifford Bradshaw. There is a nice
sub plot about the boarding house owner Fräulein
Schneider and her relationship with Jewish man Herr
Schultz.
There have been many theatre revivals of this musical
with legends such as Judi Dench playing the title role
in 1968. In 2006 Sheila Hancock won an award for her
portrayal as Fräulein Schneider under the directorship
of Sam Mendes. Most of us however will think of Liza
Minelli when we think of Cabaret. She immortalised the
character of Sally in the 1972 film.
It is better to go to see Cabaret with an open mind,
rather than hoping to see the revitalising of the
Minelli magic. Then you will not be disappointed.
Neither Amy Nuttall (the current Sally) or Anna Maxwell
Martin who played Sally when this latest revival opened
in 2006, are anything like Liza Minelli. I say forget
the past and embrace Cabaret for the great musical it
is; full of sex and dancing and camp fun. But there is a
serious plot and sub plot to be unravelled and on the
eve of Nazi Germany, tensions are running high and lives
are being affected. Rufus Norris has tackled these
elements head on and the result is a show with
unforgettable music, fantastic choreography, but some
dark and disturbing drama.
Going to see
Cabaret
will not give you an evening of hedonistic
pleasure because there are more levels to this musical
than simple, toe catching tunes and glamorous and
revealing costumes. Once you have been to see Cabaret
you will be glad you had.
Why not let Concierge Desk Ltd get you the best
theatre tickets for
reasonable prices and enjoy 1930’s Berlin in the West
End.
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