truly talented

MALVERN THEATRE OCTOBER 10th - 14th The Hereford Times Cabaret at Malvern Theatres starring Will Young and Louise Redknapp Rebecca Cain CABARET was nothing like I expected it to be – and I loved every second. As uncultured as I am, I didn’t know the storyline before I went to the sold-out performance last night at Malvern Theatres. Not only did I not expect the full frontal nudity but I also wasn’t present epared for the rollercoaster of emotions I felt during the show. I went from feeling delight and awe at the amazing choreography and singing - to feeling uncomfortable and on edge as the story edged closer to a Nazi-run Germany. The story takes place in Berlin in 1931 in the midst of the post-First World War economic depression. The first half focuses on the exciting and alluring Kit Kat Club where the master of ceremonies is played by the fantastic Will Young. He is mesmerising at the pansexual Emcee who guides the audience through the show with humour but is also able to tug at the heartstrings during the darker moments – mainly in the second half. Louise Redknapp is sensational as Sally Bowles, a performer at the Kit Kat Klub. There is no doubt she is a brilliant singer and dancer. She strikes up an unconventional romance with aspiring author, Clifford Bradshaw, played by Charles Hagerty, who has just arrived in Berlin. While his sensible landlady, Fraulein Kost, played by Susan Penhaligon, agrees to marry fruit seller, Herr Schultz, played by Linal Haft. But in the second half things start to go wrong as the beginnings of Hitler’s totalitarian regime become more obvious. It is a stunning show – the set looks amazing and the costumes are fabulous. The dancers at the Kit Kat Klub are also a huge part of the show and are all incredibly talented. Cabaret is a joy to watch, even in its darker moments, and has now become one of my all-time favourite shows. Cabaret is at the Malvern Theatres until Saturday. Due to its popularity it has sold out. To find out more go to http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/cabaret/ A View from Behind the Arras Cabaret Malvern Theatres **** http://www.behindthearras.com/Reviewspr/2017/reviewPROOctDec2017/cabaret.jpg With Will Young reprising the role that won him accolades in the West End, there's an air of excitement surrounding this touring production. Add to that the likes of Louise Redknapp alongside him, tickets for its week-long stint in Malvern sold out quickly. I must admit, I was wary about former pop singer and Strictly star Redknapp playing the role of carefree nightclub singer Sally Bowles (a part made famous by Liza Minnelli in the movie) in depraved 1930's Berlin. I thought she may come across as too wholesome and nice. Instead she puts on a steely, aloof persona that results in an impressive theatre debut performance. Her time on Strictly Come Dancing has helped her keep in with the exact dance routines, but it's her voice that really is her forte. She makes decent work of songs Cabaret and Maybe This Time, in particular. The limelight, however, firmly shines on Will Young. He's perfected the role of Emcee - a part he is reprising for this acclaimed Rufus Norris production. The first time around, Young was nominated for an Olivier award and won other gongs including a WhatsOnStage prize. For those who don't know, the story is told through the eyes of aspiring American writer Clifford after he arrives in the party city of Berlin. It's a snapshot of life connected to a seedy cabaret bar he frequents and where he meets good time girl Sally Bowles amid the rise of the Nazis. Act One is jolly and wild with titillating routines at the Kit Kat Club by a troupe of seductive dancers led by Young's master of ceremonies Emcee. It's all very enticing and funny with a touch of nudity and bawdiness about it. There's hope and romance too but mostly from the elderly couple living as neighbours in Clifford's lodgings. Their scenes are probably the most emotional. Susan Penhaligon and Linal Haft are outstanding as mature lovers Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz, who must face up to issues surrounding his Jewish heritage. The close of the first act warns the audience of the gloom to come as Emcee appears as a puppet master with a striking resemblance to Hitler controlling the dancers to menacing song Tomorrow Belongs To Me. Into the second act, it's a much darker tale but with some of the most stunning performances. Young comes into his own even more so and his performance of I Don't Care Much is beautifully sung with remarkable poignancy. It's not hard to see why he won awards. The movie of Cabaret has set a high standard as it won eight Oscars, but National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris has come close with this atmospheric, slick, memorable version. The dance scenes, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Javier de Frutos are stunning too and the striking finale is a touch of class. This production has already enjoyed two smash hit West End runs and is now on this brief UK tour. It's an exceptional show all-round but the night ultimately belongs to Will Young. To 14-10-17. Alison Brinkworth 10-10-17 Malvern Observer WHAT good is sitting alone in your room? Come, hear the music play… as award-winning musical Cabaret hits the stage. A standing ovation was lavished upon the sparkling sell-out show at Malvern Theatre, in which glamour and divine decadence attempt gloss over the dark and disturbing backdrop of Nazi Germany. In the role that earned him an Olivier award nomination, Will Young reprises his critically acclaimed performance of Emcee in Rufus Norris’ production of Cabaret. The Master of Ceremonies at the seedy Kit Kat nightclub serves as the storyteller is this tale of forbidden love and brutal politics. Young is quite mesmerizing onstage as Emcee with an outrageous, cheeky surface demeanor, flecked with increasingly disturbing undertones. Welcoming audiences to the show – his show – Young guides us through the pleasure and pain the underworld of Berlin in 1931. The supporting cast of Kit Kat club singers and dancers literally shine on stage, grotesquely beautiful, sexy and risque in numbers that begin as luxurious and frivolous, but which gradually reveal the creeping darkness of the politics and the growing acceptance of anti-semitism in Nazi Germany. TV presenter, musician and 2016 Strictly Come Dancing runner up Louise Redknapp stars alongside Young, as the outrageous and fragile Sally Bowles. Her vocals are flawless, and her scatty, colourful performance as Sally hints at the melancholy that lies beneath the hollow pleasures of the glitzy showgirl lifestyle. The story set in Berlin, 1931, sees the Nazis rising to power, and focuses on the nightlife at the underground Kit Kat Klub, where young American writer Cliff Bradshaw meets 32-year-old English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. With a live orchestra on stage, Cabaret feels like a real-life underground show, with scanty clad dancers, sequins, champagne, fluttering eyelashes and leather hotpants in abundance. Featuring show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre including Money Makes The World Go Round,Two Ladies, Maybe This Time and of course, Cabaret. Tickets for the entire run at Malvern have sold out, but this show is not one to be missed and comes highly recommended. Bromsgrove Advertiser 11th October Cabaret provides delightful debauchery Alan Wallcroft HEAD back five years to 2012, a year when singer Will Young was nominated for an Olivier award for his West End performance as the enigmatic over-the-top master of ceremonies in this simply superb musical which is set mainly in the decadent Kit Kat Club in Berlin. Now, in this Rufus Norris revived production, which opened in London and is currently touring the UK until December, Young has reprised his Emcee role to such stunning effect he once again deserves another Olivier award nomination. Director Norris ensures the exhilaration of eccentricity and pace of perversions rarely slows down, apart from the moments of tenderness, sadness and hints of the terror beginning to emanate in Germany as the 1930s unfold. The stirring and wonderfully evocative Tomorrow Belongs To Me offering a portent of the problems the world will face less than a decade away! Katrina Lindsay’s wonderful design evokes the Weimar Berlin of 1931 in a country still scarred by the Great War. It switches comfortably from dark and brooding to the bright lights of showbiz, a run-down boarding house right through to the over-the-top debauchery of the night club. And it’s here where the show’s choreographer, Javier De Frutos, ensures the dancing delights of the ‘boys and girls’ is full throttle energy and fully revealing in every sense of the word. It’s now just over half-a-century on from when Joe Masteroff’s book was first performed as a stage musical with John Kander and Fred Ebb responsible for the music and lyrics respectively. That show had Joel Grey and Jill Howarth in the main roles and then it had Emcee as the focus, but when it came to the legendary 1972 Bob Fosse film the main story-line switched to Sally Bowles, a role played in wonderful style by Liza Minelli. Grey continued in his role in the film and provided an iconic performance - probably one that is the yard-stick against whom everyone else is judged. Now Will Young, who has been there and done it with a number of musical awards and successes, can justifiably stand side-by-side and bear comparison with his own devil-may-care Emcee, along with his brief but forbidding border guard moments. Alongside him as the other star of the show is the former Eternal girl group member and solo singer, Louise Redknapp, who is on her stage debut tour. She arrived as Sally hot on the heels of her appearance on television’s Strictly Come Dancing, and in order to land the part, she had three auditions - one lasting five hours. She has since said: “For the first time in my life, I had to go for a real, proper audition and learn a script and act and put myself out there, for Rufus Norris at the National Theatre. “It was one of the scariest things I’ve done, and the most intimidating, as they wanted to be certain that this was the right role for me to do, so I was put through my paces and I’m grateful for that.” As someone who has said she always loved dancing, along with singing, acting is a new task and she’s delighted to have the opportunity to do all three. There may be one or two things to learn on the acting front, but she gave it her all and she can certainly deliver a song - be it a belter or melancholic. There’s more to come here. Plenty of experience on the acting front elsewhere to provide excellent support from a strong cast including Nicholas Tizzard (Ernst Ludwig), Susan Penhaligon (Fraulein Schneider), Charles Hagerty (Clifford Bradshaw) and Linal Haft (Herr Schulz). Put them in the mix with the Kit Kat’s scantily clad dancers and it’s a show that cannot go wrong. The one great pity this week is that the Festival Theatre isn’t bigger. Just over 800 were packed into the auditorium for Tuesday’ opening night but they could have filled it twice over. So phenomenal has been the demand for tickets every single seat for the one week run has been sold and the waiting list for any returned tickets has grown considerably by the day. Those of us lucky enough to see the show know we had great fun and were regally entertained - as the end of show response clearly demonstrated with a standing ovation, cheers and half-a-dozen curtain calls! Something Malvern audiences are not usually renowned for but there was no mistaking their appreciation here. If only Cabaret could come back again… and soon!

Photos from the current production.

Great to see this tour is selling so well. First Look at UK Tour of CABARET, Starring Will Young and Louise Redknapp by BWW News Desk Oct. 10, 2017 Tweet Rufus Norris' CABARET starring Will Young, who reprises his award-winning performance as the Emcee, and Louise Redknapp, making her stage debut as Sally Bowles, is breaking records at the box office as the production begins its UK tour. Check out a first look at the show below! Playing to packed houses at the New Wimbledon Theatre where the production opened on 21 September and broke box office records for a 12-show run,CABARET is proving a hit with audiences across the country as sales of the landmark musical are exceeding expectations. At Theatre Royal in Brighton,CABARET is officially the highest grossing single week-long musical in the theatre's history, and at Malvern Theatre, the show's sales have smashed records as the highest grossing single week-long musical or play. Currently in Malvern Theatre, CABARET continues its autumn tour until 9 December, and visits Cardiff New Theatre, Leeds Grand Theatre, Milton KeynesTheatre, The Lowry in Salford, Edinburgh Playhouse, Churchill Theatre Bromley, Dublin's Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Brighton Theatre Royal. CABARET features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre including 'Money Makes The World Go Round', 'Two Ladies' 'Maybe This Time' and of course 'Cabaret'. The production turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a sassy, sizzling haven of decadence, and at its dark heart is the legendary and notorious Emcee, who performs nightly at the infamous Kit Kat Klub.

BLACKPOOL OCTOBER 3rd - 7th North West End‏ @NorthWestEnd #REVIEW - Cabaret at @WGOperaHouse @WGBpl with @willyoung @LouiseRedknapp "poignant and utterly moving" ★★★★★ http://bit.ly/2hMlQK4 http://northwestend.co.uk/images/NWE_JOOMLA_HEADER.jpg Cabaret - Opera House, Blackpool Opera House Susan Penhaligon, Will Young, Cabaret, Blackpool, Louise Redknapp, Linal Haft, As we took our seats in the stalls, the two young women next to us were staring at the stage and looking puzzled. A giant WILL KOM MEN stood proudly, the sections of the word stacked one on top of the other. And to two Will Young fans, it was a mystery only solved when we explained the world meant 'welcome' in German and that the show is set in Berlin, in the early 1930s, as the force of Nazism was gathering momentum. Welcome to the world of Cabaret, old chum. That strange stack of letters was our first glimpse of a set which proved as versatile as the performers who strutted upon it – and the first hint of that came when Young, as the Emcee, suddenly appeared through the central O to begin his opening number. It was our introduction to a wild, wacky, manic and ultimately tragic ride, in a show that pulled at the emotions and refused to let go. Rarely have I felt so engaged in what was going on upon the stage. There were moments when the volume (and sense of tension) were turned up to 11, while the silences were telling, poignant and utterly moving, culminating in a final scene which brought a lump to the throat. This production marks Louise Redknapp's musicals debut and she has some mighty big shoes to fill. Can anyone better Liza Minnelli in the 1972 movie? Redknapp gave it a bloody good try, and she brought something fresh to Life is a Cabaret – no mean achievement. Her vocals were nuanced, her acting surprisingly good and she literally threw herself into the demanding choreography – an excellent all-round performance. The doomed late-in-life love story of boarding housekeeper Fraulein Schneider and Jewish fruiterer Herr Schultz was perfectly pitched by Susan Penhaligon and Linal Haft, whose tender duets were among my favourites in a show which is packed with delights. The choreography included some heart in the mouth moments as the dancers performed all manner of eye-watering manoeuvres in the skimpiest of costumes. This show is an absolute joy – and at the heart of it all is Will Young, commanding the stage, pulling the strings and toying with our emotions at every end and turn. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he pranced and preened, leered and cackled. The Money Song was incredible but it was in his more studied moments that I loved him most. This role was made for Young and it's clear he relishes every moment of playing it. I've witnessed some fine shows this year, but this one sits at the top of the tree. As the cast departed the stage following extended rapturous applause, our two young neighbours were smiling broadly. They might have arrived as Will Young fans, but I like to think they left with a newly found love of musical theatre. Cabaret is at the Opera House, Blackpool until Saturday, October 7th For tickets and more information visit http://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/cabaret/ Reviewer: Sandra Mangan Reviewed: 3rd October 2017 North West End Rating: ★★★★★ The Yorkshire Times Another fabulous Review for Will -from The Yorkshire Times: Cabaret - Blackpool Opera House Graham Clark, Features Writer The last time I saw Will Young in Blackpool he was playing a Radio 2 concert in the Floral Hall. I wasn't too impressed as he seemed a little insipid, however in his role of Emcee, master of ceremonies, in this new production of Cabaret he is exceptional. It is a role that appears was made for him to play: risque, at times camp but always entertaining, his facial mannerisms ranged from quizzical to childlike amazement. He appears at the start of the evening out of the letter O in the giant wires WILL KOM MEN. Set in the early 1930's in Berlin the costumes do not leave much to the imagination, there are plenty of corsets, stockings and heels and at times total nudity from both male and female members of the cast. American writer Charles Bradshaw (Charles Hagerty) arrives in the city to find some inspiration for his forthcoming novel. Most of the action duration on the night takes place in the Kit Kat Club. He meets dancer Sally Bowles (Louise Redknapp). I never realised that she has such a strong singing voice, which was never heard when she was in the girl group, Eternal. Her acting at times seemed a little wooden but her vocals more than made up for it. There are some comical scenes such as the bed scene where many people seem to be coming and going in and out of the bed; in a way it brought a Pantomime touch to the proceedings. Fraulen Schneider (Susan Penhaligen) and Herr Schultz (Lina Hart) as the owners of the bedsit and the Jewish shopkeeper respectively are brilliant, they provide some wisdom and best laughable lines of the night. The first half of the evening is not too dark, however the dark undertones of The Nazi ideology come to the fore during the second half of the show. With perfect choreography and a story line that stays close to the original film version this is a dazzling, energetic production. The songs such as Money Makes the Workd Go Round and of course Cabaret where Redknapp comes into her own, are all there. As the song goes "Come to the Cabaret", you certainly will not be disappointed with this stunning version. Runs until Saturday 7 October 0844 836 1111 http://www.wgbpl.co.uk Plays Leeds Grand Theatre 24-28 October 0844 848 2700 http://www.leedsgrandtheatre.co.uk http://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Cab ... =hootsuite CABARET, WINTER GARDENS BLACKPOOL, ⭐⭐⭐½ 10/5/2017 0 Comments Cabaret is a vibrant and moving musical which transports us to Berlin on the cusp of World War 2; however, many of the performances in this cast fail to invoke any real emotion. The production itself is a very high standard, and wonderfully directed by Rufus Norris of the National Theatre, but unfortunately there is a clear disconnection and detachment between the lead cast members. Despite this, Will Young shines through in his portrayal of The Master of Ceremonies, his attention to detail does not go amiss and he perfectly embodies the nature of an ultimate showman – a dazzling, weird and wonderful performance (in the best possible way)! The ensemble is also a delight to watch, perfectly choreographed by Olivier Award winner Javier de Frutos. Every ‘Kit Kat Club’ performance is mesmerising and the energy levels are exhilarating, skillfully captivating the vibe of 1930’s Berlin. Louise Redknapp and Matt Rawle, despite singing beautifully, are missing a depth of connection to their characters Sally Bowels and Cliff. Pleasant performances are executed well from a technical point of view, but there is a lack of energy at points and there is a struggle to maintain the German accent. This show breeds the question – does star casting work? We have two interesting examples here: On one hand, Will Young provides a stellar performance; his characterisation morphs him into a completely different person, bold and unwavering as he commands the attention of the audience every moment he’s on stage. On the other, Louise Redknapp gives a charming performance, yet instead of feeling like I’m watching Sally Bowels, I am oddly aware that I am just watching Redknapp sing and strut around the stage, which may very well be the intention of the company. This lively musical is a real crowd-pleaser, and regardless of certain flaws, this show certainly transports the audience to the hedonistic night scene of 1930’s Berlin! - Anna Jobarteh Blackpool Gazette Audiences welcomed to the cabaret as UK tour of hit show lands in resort Will Young as Emcee in Cabaret DIGITAL REPORTER Email Published: 13:59 Thursday 05 October 2017 Audiences are being invited to ‘come to the Cabaret’ with Blackpool Opera House’s latest musical theatre offering. Directed by National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris, this landmark production begins in pre-Second World War Berlin, following aspiring writer Cliff as he gets caught up in a world of risqué cabaret dancers and sordidness, among a backdrop of political and social upheaval. It is a show that has stretched boundaries to huge acclaim on an international scale, winning eight Oscars, seven BAFTAs and 13 Tonys since its Broadway premiere. On its latest national tour, it has continued to evolve and the progression of musical numbers ‘Two Ladies’ and ‘Money Makes The World Go Round’ are a real hit, – Olivier Award winner Javier de Frutos’ choreography is at once comedic and technically slick. However, a starker contrast of the reality of Nazi Germany and the escapism of the Kit Kat Club would help in advancing this adaptation even further, especially in act one. At the very centre of the show are two celebrity names – Will Young as the host and infamous Emcee and former Eternal and Strictly Come Dancing star Louise Redknapp as Sally Bowles. Both have experienced the life of a pop star and stints on reality television, and as such are no strangers to the spotlight. But it is Young who steals this show, with his interpretation of the exaggerated and larger-than-life character made famous by Joel Grey. It is clear to see why he was brought back to revive the role following his West End debut and his performances of songs including ‘Wilkommen’ and ‘Tomorrow Belongs To Me’ are truly captivating. However Redknapp, while offering a strong stage presence, does not fit the edgy and raucous persona needed for her character and as such falls short the sensual, yet vulnerable, performance by Liza Minelli, in the 1972 film. Her pretty vocals and perfected dance moves are more suited to a good girl role, rather than the gritty one she is portraying. The ensemble, nonetheless, remain committed to the highs and lows of the performance, their togetherness and characterisation remaining a highlight of the overall production. Review: Cabaret by Rebecca Berentzen Opera House, Blackpool Until Saturday Read more at: http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/whats-on...esort-1-8789837 UK Theatre Network UK Theatre Network CABARET Published by: Kirstie Niland on 5th Oct 2017 | View all blogs by Kirstie Niland The Opera House, Blackpool Winter Gardens, until Saturday 7th October Put down the knitting, the book and the broom…and come join the Cabaret in Blackpool this weekend. But prepare to be shocked as well as entertained because this dark, sometimes funny, often thought-provoking musical delivers much more than memorable song and dance routines. Set in the seedy Kit Kat Club, during a time of tyranny in 1930s Berlin, the tangled lives of Cabaret’s main characters hurtle along a path of destruction in parallel with the horrifying consequences of the Nazis’ rise to power. The award-winning team of director Rufus Norris and choreographer Javier De Frutos has created a spectacle of decadence and debauchery; underpinned by the unlikely love story of American writer Cliff Bradshaw, played with engaging intensity by Charles Hagerty, and the promiscuous, risqué English cabaret performer Sally Bowles - aka TV celebrity and singer Louise Redknapp. Famed for her success in 90s R&B girl group Eternal, Louise is a natural on stage. With a voice powerful enough to fill the massive Opera House auditorium, she is both distracting and inspiring. Perfectly Marvellous in fact. As a fan of 80s TV sitcom, A Fine Romance, and the character Helen played by Susan Penhaligon, it was a real treat to see her on stage as the German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider, performing the amusing, sentimental duets with Linal Haft as the Jewish fruit vendor Herr Schultz; and her rendition of So What? was just lovely. But the biggest impact of all came from singer and Pop Idol winner Will Young, whose portrayal of the flamboyant, androgynous and ghoulish Emcee is simply mesmerising. I would see Cabaret again for his performance alone. The other main characters and ensemble execute the script and choreography with just the right amount of abandon to shock – but not too much. There are some brilliantly staged scenes, such as the Emcee looming above the dancers as a puppeteer pulling their strings, a fast and furious rendition of Money – and a very clever back to front sequence where Sally’s show at the Kit Kat Club goes on eerily behind a fringed curtain, as though we are backstage looking on. The Opera House, which features one of world’s largest stages, is ideal for the dramatic set design, from the enormous WILLKOMMEN sign, to the dazzling giant letters spelling KABARET and live band perched on a light-framed platform in the backdrop. n 1966 Walter Kerr was famously quoted in the New York Times as saying that Cabaret “opens the door to a fresh notion of the bizarre, crackling, harsh and the beguiling uses that can be made of song and dance.” Today Cabaret still does that - this surprising, politically charged yet hugely watchable show, with whirling dancing and wry lyrics spinning the characters on a decadent high, before they fall, unravelling, as the Nazis become an oppressive presence, and a tragic finale shows the party is well and truly over. Highly recommended. http://www.uktheatre.net/magazine/read/cabaret_3373.html

So many positive tweets but this one sums Will up best. Dianne Lewis @LOUPDAZE100 6m @willyoung born to play #Emcee of #Cabaret @NewWimbTheatre. Truly phenomenal. An imaginative creative provocative piece of artistry ☆☆☆☆☆

Really interesting Podcast this week with James Wharton about being gay in the armed forces.

I realise there is no longer a Will Young forum but as Darius has been included why is there no Will Young contribution or as a former mod should I have suggested a live performance ? :unsure: His reworking of Hey Ya or Dontcha in the Live Lounge would knock spots off most of those listed.

And there's more.

Will's star shines brightly.. http://www.rewritethisstory.com/2017/09 ... eatre.html https://twitter.com/rewritethisweb/stat ... 2793430016 Rewrite This Story@rewritethisweb #review | Cabaret at the @NewWimbTheatre "@willyoung is outstanding, suitably wacky but all-knowing at once" CABARET (UK TOUR), NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE | REVIEW Cabaret (UK Tour) New Wimbledon Theatre Reviewed on Friday September 22nd 2017 by Olivia Mitchell ★★★ After Germany's defeat in World War 1, the treaty of Versaille was set out to totally humiliate the nation; inflation rocketed and the economy flew into a downward spiral. This was eventually stabilised but people had seen themselves and those around them lose everything so the idea of 'seizing the day' was adopted and Berlin became a heaving Bohemian world where you lived to enjoy the here and now. This is when we are thrown into the world of Cabaret. It's 1930 New Years Eve, a young American writer, Clifford Bradshaw has just arrived in Berlin and is ready to see what the city has to offer. The show is a full on combination of things with dance, drink and drugs taking the lead as people relished in the decadent, censorship free lifestyle. The set by Katrina Lindsay manages to be bright and dark at the same time. There are moments of intense glitz and glam with flashing lights and moving sets but also moments of dim, dark spaces which imply what's to come as the golden age passes. The rise of fascism is extremely prevalent in Rufus Norris' production especially during the chilling final scene of act 1 when the Emcee turns into a puppet master, holding overgrown children at the end of strings as he sings the Aryan folk song Tomorrow Belongs To Me. As the Emcee, Will Young is outstanding, suitably wacky but all-knowing at once. His comedic timing is wonderful as he soars through the notes with a sinister hint always shining through. Young is certainly the star of this show and it's clear why he was asked back to be part of the tour and his balloon clad rendition of Money was the stand out performance of the production for me. Louise Redknapp takes on the iconic role of Sally Bowles, the British showgirl who has lost her way. Unfortunately Redknapp's performance fell flat at times; instead of showing a crumbling, emotional girl she was decadent, bold and showed very minimal signs of her struggle. At times her voice was strong but fell flat on her big number, Maybe This Time. Sally Bowles was originally written to be a somewhat second rate performer which is why she has previously been cast as an actress who can sing and opposed to a singer who can act however, Louise kind of fell in between the two and I felt a little underwhelmed. Charles Hagerty is strong as Clifford, developing his various relationships well. His voice is incredibly strong and his performance of Why Should I Wake Up? is a stand out moment. A large part of the action has to do with Clifford's landlady Fräulein Schneider (Susan Penhaligon) and her relationship with the local Jewish fruit seller (Linal Schultz) as their normal lives begin to be put in jeopardy. The pair are great together and their affection for one another is very sweet to see. This show is worth seeing for Young's performance and for the bold imaginative design and choreography but it needs more oomph overall. Luv.Diz.X.

https://www.timeandleisure.co.uk/whats-on/6...ret-review.html

Glad you enjoyed the show. Will was born to play the Emcee. Can't wait to see the show again in Leeds. :cheer:

Thanks for the invite. 5* Review-fabulous comments about Will’s performance. The press night vibes at the New Wimbledon Theatre last night was noticeably electric pre-show. With Will Young reprising his West End performance as the Emcee, joined by current national sweetheart, Louise Redknapp as the troubled Sally Bowles; the theatre was packed with excited theatre goers and theatricals looking for a thrilling time. Young's performance is arguably the best Emcee the U.K. has seen since Alan Cumming at the Donmar Warehouse in 1993. The painted face enhancing the manic facial expressions which come and go in the blink of an eye, the instantly dynamic rapport with his audience; we are taken from the extreme highs of "Two Ladies" (a brilliantly staged number, full of surprises!) to the awkwardly tense close of Act One, and by the end leaving us utterly devastated. Young's performance is a fine example of meticulous attention to detail combined with a passionate intensity; and watching him flitting from flirty and fun, terrifying and threatening to truly gut wrenching is a magical experience. There is a fine performance too from Louise Redknapp; making her theatrical debut as Sally Bowles. The role is filled with emotional highs and lows, big vocal numbers and that's before you get to the dancing. Redknapp tackles all with gusto, proving able to belt out more than a simple pop song; and it's clear once she relaxes into the role a little more, her performance will continue to grow. Compared with almost all the young female performers who have moved from pop careers into musical theatre, her performance is most certainly one of the strongest debuts in recent years. Strong supporting performances from Charles Hagerty as Bradshaw, who brought more heart to the role than I've seen previously through his strong, rich vocal performance, and the delightful duo of Susan Penhaligon (Fraulein Schneider) and Linal Haft (Herr Schultz) whose rendition of "It Couldn't Please Me More" restores your faith in romance. The energetic, committed cast give their all throughout; with outstanding choreography by Javier De Frutos, brought to life seemingly effortlessly by a supremely talented ensemble, and insightful direction from Rufus Norris sprinkling just the right amount of fun and glitter amidst the tragic reality of the lives of the characters in their political landscape. One shouldn't say too much about the production's conclusion, only to commend Norris' decision to risk poignancy over pizazz. It pays off, in spades. A splendid night out, which is full of moments to make you laugh, cry and most crucially as rarely these days, to make you think. No doubt Kenwright has another successful tour on his hands. Cabaret, New Wimbledon Theatre ***** 22 Sep 2017 Julie x

Get to @NewWimbTheatre to see @CabaretUKTour. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟performances @LouiseRedknapp & @willyoung plus cast! Amazing! Review to follow! #cabaretHe

Opening night at Wimbledon.

Starts tomorrow. :cheer: newwimbledontheatre What good is sitting alone in your room......with a biscuit......come to the Cabaret. #avecbiccie #cabaret #biscuits #gbbo #willyoung #louiseredknapp

cfcdiva It was our final day in the rehearsal room before we head to the theatre on Monday. I can honestly say audiences are in for a treat. It really is a great show and a great company! #cabaret #uktour #uktour2017 #theatre #musical #musicaltheatre #actress #lovemyjob #happygirl

In an interview promoting Cabaret on Radio Wales Will confirmed he has another acting role lined up. :D It was also great to hear him sound confident and excited about taking to the stage for Cabaret.

Tweet from Will Will Young‏Verified account@willyoung Episode 8 of Homo Sapiens here w the delightful Russell T. Davies @TheWriterOfPain being hilarious. Click to listen! https://www.acast.com/homosapiens/s01ep ... elltdavies …

Episode 8 of Homo Sapiens up now. Legendary screenwriter Russell T Davies joins us to talk Queer as Folk, Dr Who and his new drama about AIDS in the 1980's - and he's hilarious and lovely! Will and Chris discuss love at first sight, getting drunk with Eamonn Holmes and your most inspirational people.

Posted by one of the cast members.

I'll try and post a link to the interview in the pinned topic so we don't lose it.

Homo Sapiens Episode 7 Extra up now. link to subscribe http://homosapienspodcast.com

I've sent a pm asking for it to be pinned.

https://twitter.com/dax_constable/statu ... 7671934976 Dax Constable‏ @dax_constable Fingers crossed for @willyoung to WIN ! https://twitter.com/DiMAwards/status/903226102965047296 Diversity in Media@DiMAwards Will Young, nominated and shortlisted for the Diversity in Media Icon of the Year Award 2017 http://diversityinmediaawards.com #dimawards17

Verses are ok but I don't like the Chorus at all. Not her usual standard but I like the video.