Review: Cabaret (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Cabaret (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 29th August 2013

First performed on Broadway in 1966, Cabaret has become one of the most iconic pieces of musical theatre of all time. Last year the musical received a West End revival at the Savoy Theatre and now the production is once again embarking on a UK Tour. Cabaret is set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, the show focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around the 19-year-old English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with the young American writer Cliff Bradshaw.

Fresh from the West End, Will Young once again leads the cast as the Emcee. His performance remains utterly mesmerising and is not to be missed. Will simply understands the complexity of the character and is funny, warm and moving when required. He bounces off the audience well and demonstrates fantastic comic timing. 

Siobhan Dillon has re-joined the cast as Sally Bowles, having previously played the role during the musical's 2009 UK tour. It is her performance which takes this touring production to a whole new level. Last year I saw Cabaret in the West End and for me the show was completely ruined by Michelle Ryan's half-hearted, sloppy performance. It was embarrassing to watch her throw away the show's most iconic musical numbers such as Maybe This Time, Mein Herr and Cabaret. She quite clearly found herself out of her depth, whereas Siobhan Dillon is clearly at home on-stage playing Sally Bowles. She has the most incredible stage presence, owning every single scene. Her rendition of Maybe This Time was a personal highlight, she didn't just effortlessly sing the song, she lived every single word and drew in the entire audience. Both the Emcee and Sally are fascinating roles which Will Young and Siobhan Dillon were clearly born to play. 

Lyn Paul and Linal Haft also give strong performances as Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schultz. The musical's sub-plot follows the two elderly characters as they fall in love. However, the political situation in Berlin causes trouble for the pair, providing many heart-warming and heartbreaking moments. Matt Rawle also shines as Cliff Bradshaw, it was a shame that a few sound issues distracted from his intense performance during the show's final scenes. 

Javier De Frutos' choreography is perfect. The ensemble (often dressed in minimal clothing) do not hold back one tiny bit and make quite an impression from the second they walk on-stage. The band are neatly tucked away at the back of the theatre, in fact I would love to have seen more of them. 

There is no other musical as quirky as Cabaret. One minute it's very serious and the next the cast perform a comedy number from inside a bed - it really does explore human emotion and is very unpredictable. The snappy nature of the piece leaves no time for boredom. Sometimes sets can be scaled down for touring productions, but Katrina Lindsay's design looks just as grand on tour.

While there is plenty of fun to be had, Cabaret is also an extremely powerful piece of theatre which makes many strong political points. The show leaves you with plenty to think about, therefore it is no surprise that West End Frame readers voted Cabaret the 'Most Inspiring West End Show' last year as part of the 2012 West End Frame Awards. If this touring production is visiting a theatre near you there is no way you can miss it. Expect lots of nudity, arrive open minded and allow yourself to be taken on every step of the show's incredible journey.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Cabaret runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday 31st August 2013.
Click here for further information, tour dates and tickets.

Photo Credit: Keith Pattison

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