Review by Valerie Carter

Last night I was at the first night of Rufus Norris’s award winning production of Kander and Ebbs “Cabaret” at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. – What a pleasure!   

 For those who don’t know, it is set in the Kit Kat Club [nothing to do with chocolate bars] in 1931 Nazi era Berlin. It is based on a play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. [“I am a Camera” if I remember correctly.]I can understand why Javier De Frutos  won an Olivier award for the choreography of this. There was a time, some years ago, when whenever you switched on your television Anita Harris appeared. It was a joy to see her again. I had forgotten just how good a performer she is. James Patterson gave a sensitive portrayal as “Herr Schultz” who doesn’t realise the danger he faces. I had heard how good Kara Lily Hayworth was in “Cilla – the Musical” but I’ve not seen her before. I suspect we will be hearing more from her.

But John Partridge! What can I say. From the first moment he appears , sitting in the “O” of Wilkommen, he steals the show completely. He was sporting some very creepy makeup and had a slight wardrobe malfunction at one point. I have seen him in many different guises over the years and he never fails to excite with his remarkable voice. I particularly enjoyed his ” Tomorrow Belongs to Me”.The audience certainly enjoyed the show and gave a standing ovation. I would recommend anyone who gets the chance to go and see it. You won’t be disappointed.

Cabaret is on at Churchill Theatre until 31 August https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets-cabaret-bromley-2019

The production continues on tour https://www.kenwright.com/portfolio/cabaret/