Touring – reviewed at Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Guest reviewer: Valerie Carter
What a pleasure to see Rufus Norris’ award-winning production of Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley.
For those who don’t know, it is set in the Kit Kat Club in 1931 Nazi era Berlin. It is based on a play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. 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 gives 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. 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 it a standing ovation. I would recommend anyone who gets the chance to go and see it. You won’t be disappointed.