Cabaret

Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

Will Young has come a long way since winning Pop Idol back in 2002.

The chart-topping singer was nominated for an Olivier Award for best actor in a musical when he made his West End debut in Cabaret last year.

And having seen the opening night of the production at Tunbridge Wells' Assembly Hall Theatre last night, I can understand why.

Written in 1966 by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the musical revolves around the life and loves of bohemian cabaret performer Sally Bowles, set against the terrifying backdrop of the Nazis’ rise to power in 1930s Berlin.

Will gives a breathtaking performance as Emcee, the leering, flamboyant master of ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy cabaret establishment.

When talking about his role to What's On ahead of the tour, Will described Emcee as 'an out and out psychopath', and that is a pretty good description.

His character is a nightmarish chameleon, appearing in outlandish disguises, and singing and performing in an eclectic mix of styles, from the farce of Two Ladies, to the slow pathos of I Don't Care Much.

The only constant in his performance is the dark undercurrent which is always present, even during his jokey banter with the audience. It is a brave, memorable performance, not to be missed.

Siobhan Dillon, a finalist in BBC talent show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, also gives an outstanding performance as Sally.

For many people the role will forever be associated with Liza Minnelli, who starred in the 1972 film, but Siobhan more than makes it her own, combining powerful, soaring vocals with an assured acting performance. Her heartbreaking rendition of the title song is a particular highlight.

But it isn't just the talented cast which make the show so special. Its innovative choreography won an Olivier award, but most impressive is the way it skilfully blends the energetic fun of the cabaret numbers with the show's dark subject matter.

A particularly memorable moment is when Emcee pretends to be a puppet master, making the cabaret performers dance on strings. At the end of the number, he lifts the handles to reveal they are Nazi symbols, just as the lights on stage shine directly at the audience.

I won't reveal the ending of the show, but it is very powerful, leaving the stunned audience sat in silence.

If you can get along to see this spectacular production before it leaves Kent at the weekend, make sure you do.

Cabaret is at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, until Saturday, November 16. Tickets from £24.50. Call 01892 530613. It is recommended for over 13s.