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 0 192

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:

  • 20th December 2024

    New Year’s Eve in Manchester: Where is Hot to Go?

    Featured image: WendyWei.pexels With the most anticipated night of the year right around the corner, the big question is looming: where are you going to celebrate it? Whether you dread it or count down the days, are new to the Manchester nightlife scene or are a regular, we’ve got your New Year’s Eve plans sorted….

  • 20th December 2024

    Fashion predictions for 2025

    By Georgia Robinson Featured image and gallery: Ruby Sharp Get one step ahead of your 2025 aesthetic and plan your outfits for the new year with this guide to all the trends we expect to see next year. Why not jazz up your wardrobe with trending accessories or browse Depop and Vinted for a pre-loved…

  • 17th December 2024

    Warehouse Project Presents: The Prodigy @ Depot Mayfield review – a night of war cries and warrior dances from rave electronica pioneers

    Featured image and gallery: Kaitlyn Brockley The rumble of trains passing through Piccadilly station, the hollers of touts (“tickets, buy or sell?”) and security (“have your IDs ready”), and the excitable chatter of gig-goers all audibly backdrop the outskirts of Manchester’s Mayfield Depot this dark, damp evening.  Leaving the outside chill and travelling along the…

  • 16th December 2024

    The QuietManDave Prize crowns 2024 winners

    Featured image and gallery: Leo Woollison Crook Angela Cheveau and Kate Carne were crowned winners of the 2024 QuietManDave Prize on Friday. The short-form writing prize is held biennially to honour the memory of the much-loved and well-known Manchester writer and critic Dave Murray, who passed away in 2019. The writers were each awarded £1000…

Latest Articles