It was a raunchy, artistic, acrobatic phenomenon. And then it got serious.

Oliver Roll took on the lead role at the Kit Kat Klub in Cabaret and delivered a cheeky performance of the interesting character Emcee.

The first half of the show was full of complicated, sexy dance numbers, cleverly put together by award winning choreographer Javier De Frutos, and setting the scene and situation of the characters.

But the sudden appearance of swastikas just before the interval left the audience stunned and full of anticipation for the second half.

Despite having not seen the film, it wasn't hard to work out a show set in Berlin in the 1930s was going to get political, but the way it was done was both creative and shocking.

The second half was emotional as you saw the impending election loom and the consequences for the characters and their relationships.

Sally Bowles, famously played by Liza Minelli in the film, was brought to life by Kara Lily Hayworth who was tragically comical.

She led an array of beautiful performances - Maybe This Time was stunning.

The multi-award-winning production is directed by the National Theatre’s artistic director Rufus Norris.

Lead John Partridge was ill the night we saw the show, hence Oliver Roll playing the role of Emcee.

DETAILS

Cabaret is at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury until 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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