Cabaret

I find it really hard to review this show - it was just so damned good that I am still a little shell-shocked. This brought tears to my eyes, not just because of the incredible sadness in the story but for the sheer joy of the theatrical event that I was seeing. This is quite an experience with the whole theatre (The Playhouse) converted to the Kit Kat Club - club entry via the cellar bar, a clever pre-show in the foyer areas whilst you enjoy a drink and then a brilliantly staged show. I wont tell you too much as, like  Harry Potter and Mousetrap you are asked to "Keep it in the Kit Kat Club" - and who'd want to spoil your enjoyment when you go and see it - and see it you really, really should if you can (you may have to sell a kidney for a ticket though!).

Over the years I have reviewed a number of Cabaret productions, and seen even more, From film to student to major tours. Nothing has come even close to this. The whole cast, particularly the girls and boys of the cabaret, are magnificent. The choreography, set and lighting are superb and draw you in to the whole 1930's Berlin vibe. Jessie Buckley is stunning, easily the best interpreation of Sally Bowles I have seen, her anger, frustration and sheer dogged refusal to see the way Germany is changing really comes over in the second half where her performance is breathtaking. The show, however, belongs to Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee. Every nuanced movement, every vocal trick, every costume every fiber of his performance is frankly as near perfect as you could ask for.

"Tomorrow Belongs to Me" is, for me, one of the most chilling, yet beautiful, songs - its use in this production is really clever. Overall - One of the best things I have seen on stage in over 25 years of reviewing ... I can say no less.