Cabaret

Anyone thinking that Cabaret is a glitzy musical, all sequins and hoofers, should bowl down to Eastbourne for this breathtaking show. Not a new production but a new company and an energy that takes it to an extraordinary level. Writers Kander and Ebb are at their very best in Cabaret, brilliant songs and simply beautiful lyrics that make the whole all the more poignant. In less able hands of course it does become a string of flashy numbers (a bit like the very disappointing film) but with a company as strong as this it cannot fail to move you.

Star billing goes to a very deserving Will Young who makes the role of emcee his very own, sinister and camp, and all sung with confidence and clarity, a real star performance. The principle roles are all first class but top marks to Lyn Paul who again shows that she is a first lady of the musical stage.

The Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 1 October 2013

Rating: