aAh! Magazine
You are here: Home / Culture / Review: Mesmerising, Moving and Tragically Beautiful – Cabaret @ Palace Theatre
Culture

Review: Mesmerising, Moving and Tragically Beautiful – Cabaret @ Palace Theatre

2nd March 2020 By 0 264

Mesmerising, moving and tragically beautiful – these are the only words that can describe the performance of ‘Cabaret’ at the Palace Theatre.

The performance takes the audience on a journey through a raunchy, romantic and sexually liberated world that faces off against the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, all of which inevitably ends in a crescendo of emotion that leaves the entire theatre in silence.

The musical in and of itself was striking, but what made this performance stand out was the absolutely dazzling work done by the actors who played the parts of all Cabaret’s iconic characters, whose personalities are so unique that even being remotely able to replicate them is an astounding feat.

Kara Lily Hayworth played Sally Bowles, the lover of American writer Cliff Bradshaw – a role she was made for. Her ability to express Sally’s carefree nature was truly convincing and her ability to sing for this role was so raw and powerful that the only person to have possibly given a greater rendition if even by a fraction, is Liza Minelli from the 1972 film of the same name.

The expert acting abilities of Anita Harris who took on the role of Frau Schneider the landlady of the apartments in the performance was also a highlight – the veteran of the arts conveyed her character with an incredible range of emotion, from laughter that never seemed forced, to the absent-minded ramblings and then truly deep and howling sadness.

However, possibly the most incredible form of acting in the whole performance goes to the madness of John Partridge, who played the eccentric Cabaret host Emcee.

To accurately depict a character that diverse, especially considering his almost sadistic lack of morals is one thing, but Partridge expresses even more eccentricity through his mannerisms and speech, which only seem intrinsic to the character itself, almost as if he was filling in the blanks of Emcee as a person rather than a character.

The performance with its brilliant set, amazing music and talented performers will have you laughing in true delight, with the almost uncontrollable urge to sing along and cry unstoppable tears.

These tears, however, will not be accompanied by cries or sobs, as this performance leaves you in total silence with the rest of the theatre.

Cabaret ends with the same words that it opened with, but without the warm feelings: “Willkommen, Bienvenue, welcome…” and there is no better sentiment of which to end such a show on.

About the author / 

aAh!

aAh! Magazine is Manchester Metropolitan University's arts and culture magazine.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • 19th February 2026

    A Mural for Mani – Manchester music legend to be immortalised with mural in his hometown

    Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…

  • 19th February 2026

    London Fashion Week A/W 2026: The new designers shaping tomorrow

    Featured image: Evie Peattie  Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…

  • 19th February 2026

    “It’s easy to lose yourself to this music”: Deptford Northern Soul club lead new wave of Northern Soul

    Featured image: Sebastian Garraway Beats vibrate through a polished floor. Bodies move with a swinging grace, surrendering to the rhythm without hesitation. An instinctual sliding jig sways wide-legged jeans cut just above the ankle. Sweat drips from sharp scissor-cut hairstyles onto porous Fred Perry polos. You’ve guessed it: Northern Soul. The late 1960s phenomenon is…

  • 19th February 2026

    Harry is Home: From the BRITs to a Manchester one-night-only show – everything to know about Harry Styles’ return

    Featured image: Evangeline Causton  Local lad Harry Styles will take to the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live for the city’s first-ever Brit Awards, before returning for his one-night-only show on March 6 to celebrate the arrival of his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. When cryptic billboards bearing the words “WE BELONG TOGETHER” appeared across Manchester city…

Latest Articles