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Thame Players |
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Cabaret. By Kander and Webb Directed
by Steve Lambell Based
on the character of Sally Bowles created by Christopher Isherwood and
subsequently into the stage plan "I am Camera", the musical version
"Cabaret" was developed in 1966. Set
in 1930's Berlin, the majority of the action takes place in a seedy nightclub
with occasional glimpses of the room occupied by the American Clifford Bradshaw.
Although most of the songs are bright and cheerful, the undercurrent of the play
is dark and foreboding with the threat of Nazism ever present. Indeed, the scene
in which Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz throw an engagement party is
fraught with menace despite the forced frivolity. This was a well-directed
musical by Steve Lambell who managed to keep the audience on the edge of their
seats despite the bright, brash musical score. John
Poole is a real find for the players. His portrayal of Emcee was excellent,
managing to be both grotesque, as fits the doom layden undercurrent, and yet
extrovert as a good Master of Ceremonies should be. Nick Heritage, as Clifford
Bradshaw and Peter Sawyer, as Ernst Ludwig, were both composed and in control as
were Val Cockayne and Andy Rimmer as Fraulein Kost and Herr Schultz
respectively. Bernadette Tildesley, as the elderly Fraulein, was outstanding,
bringing tears to the eyes as she forgoes her marriage because of the Nazi
threat. The
undoubted star of the evening, however, was Clare Tudway playing the
happy-go-lucky Sally Bowles. She was completely in character from start to
finish and has a wonderfully powerful singing voice. Her rendition of Cabaret
had the whole audience mouthing the words and swaying in unison. An excellent
evening's entertainment. Archie
Wilson - Bucks Free Press |
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The Thame Players Theatre Company Ltd Patrons: Sir Tim Rice, Bruce Alexander Registered Company No. 4389665. Registered Charity No. 1092559 |