Review: As the song goes... come to the Cabaret

It is a dark, moody, sinister and disturbing at times telling of the tale of wannabe singer Sally Bowles, would-be novelist Cliff Bradshaw, and the comings and goings at the infamous Kit Kat Klub - all caught in the shadow of the Nazi uprising.

Kara Lily Hayworth is quite captivating as the troubled artiste. Bowles. Her rendition of Cabaret is magical; Maybe This Time just beautiful.

Charles Hagerty is excellent as the sexually confused Bradshaw, and Anita Harris (who can still sing by the way) and James Paterson - as Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz - share some lovely moments. Adorable.

Nick Tizzard is charming and menacing in equal measures as Ernst Ludwig.

As for the ensemble, calling them that seems like a disservice. They don’t just go out and fill the stage, they own it.

Fantastic costumes (what there is of them!), super lighting and truly amazing and very suggestive choreography, yes, but the execution is unbelievable.

John Partridge, however, as the all-seeing, story-telling Emcee takes things to another level.

His stage presence from the moment he is wheeled out on stage at the beginning of the performance to the curtain close is mesmerising - hypnotic almost. Blink and you might miss a facial expression, a twitch, a movement... a rude gesture.

It is a maniacal, comical masterclass. It is “scary clown” - do you laugh (and there are some genuine laugh out loud moments) or should you be afraid? He exudes menace whilst at the same time puts a smile on your face.

Frighteningly good.

This is a musical, of course, and the live band on stage are wonderful in creating an evocative feel of the era.

The iconic Kander and Ebb songs, the singing and dancing are outstanding.

But it remains a powerful piece of theatre with an ending like no other.

Cabaret is at New Theatre until Saturday. tickets at www.newtheatre-peterborough.com