Cabaret reshuffle

Published Tuesday 14 October 2008 at 11:40

Having seen a touring production of Cabaret, may I say how very disappointed it turned out to be. It is a superb musical, in which Joel Grey made such an impact as the master of ceremonies in the 1972 film - so much so, that any actor trying to attempt a different interpretation, the audiences feel cheated. Wayne Sleep tried and it didn’t work. The night our party went to see the show, by the conversation of the audience in the theatre they were not happy. Apart from Mr Sleep failing in the part, the whole thing was dull, with bad lighting. It’s not the happiest of story, but the magnificent musical numbers bring it to life. In this production some of the best were cut and some of the casting was bad too.

Some things you shouldn’t attempt to change. Rex Harrison put a stamp on the part of Higgins in My Fair Lady - it doesn’t work any other way - and Edith Evans with her handbag line in The Importance of Being Ernest. I’ve seen so many actresses try a different interpretation of that line and it just doesn’t work. We all feel cheated.

The night our party attended Cabaret the theatre was only half full.

I rest my case.

Reg Taylor

Atherton Court

New Brighton