Most musicals I am eager to see, but with Cabaret I admit I was a little hesitant. I saw the film version many years ago and found the story a little confusing so I was not really sure what to expect from the stage show.
Was I in for a surprise! I was enthralled by a very entertaining yet poignant musical.
Cabaret tells the story of Berlin in the heady years of drugs, alcohol and Cabaret, moving to the time when Hitler and the Third Reich were attempting to gain control.
Will Young played a very enigmatic Emcee, and was perfect at drawing the audience into the high jinks risqué world of the Cabaret. He acted the songs so perfectly from the comedic to the softer more emotional pieces.
The role of Sally Bowles has become synonymous with Liza Minnelli and I was pleased to see that understudy Emily Bull, who took on the role for Monday's opening performance, did not just try to copy the film star but really put her own stamp on the part.
She was particularly good in the song Cabaret where instead of just belting the song as is so often heard she put real meaning into the words.
The characters of Fraulein Schneider (Lyn Paul) and Herr Schultz (Linal Haft) added a poignant touch to the story as they struggled with their feelings trying to decide how the love of a German and a Jew would work in what was to be a new German regime.
A different kind of musical but one that is well worth seeing.
Katrina Knights
* Until Saturday, call 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk to book.