Stage and screen star John Partridge is better qualified than most to appear in Cabaret - which comes to Canterbury this week.

Set in Berlin in 1931, Cabaret tells the story of the legendary Sally Bowles, who is about to take the stage at the infamous Kit Kat Klub in Berlin. The multi-award-winning production is directed by the National Theatre’s artistic director Rufus Norris and features Olivier award-winning choreography by Javier De Frutos. It comes to the county following two West End runs.

Former EastEnder John, who leads the cast as Emcee, says: "I lived in Berlin for 10 years. I know Berlin very well. I met my husband there and I speak German fluently. I’ve actually been to the Kit Kat Klub, which is still alive and well and fully functioning in the heart of Berlin - I have been on many occasions."

Best known as EastEnders' Christian Clarke, despite being a well-versed stage and TV actor, John admits he had to push for this latest role, however. "I turned 48 this year and the time was very much now - I had to grab this one. As an actor there are very few roles that you are absolutely right for. But there are a couple, if you’re lucky, of roles that fit... I can wrap up in this role. That is very rare."

And it's good that he's getting to, because it could be one of his last roles for a while.

"I went into Cats when I was 16 and now I’m 48. I’ve been doing this for 32 years. I’ve done over 20 West End shows - over 30 major musicals. Also, I’ve been sober for over two years now. It has had a profound effect on me. In some ways I think I used to enjoy acting and performing because I enjoyed the escapism of it.

"In becoming sober... my desire to step into other people’s shoes and other people’s lives has lessened. So I’m not saying I will never act again, but I’m taking my foot off the pedal. I am approaching my 50th year, so I have to ask, “What do I want for the next 10 years of my life?” I at least want the option to examine other possibilities. In order to do that I need to give myself a little bit of time. But there is one other role that I am going to play next year. I can’t tell you anything about that right now... I’m really excited about it, though.!

He stars with Kara Lily Hayworth from Cilla The Musical, as Sally and stage legend Anita Harris plays Fraulein Schneider.

DETAILS

Cabaret is at the Marlowe Theatre from Tuesday, March 10 to Saturday, March 14. There will be a BSL-interpreted performance on Thursday, March 12 and an audio-described performance on Saturday, March 14. Book at marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.

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