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Production Photographs (c) Keith Pattison

Suitable for age 14+
This show contains nudity and some sexual scenes.

Running Time approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including one interval (please note this is subject to change – please check back for updates).

  • Director: Rufus Norris
  • Designer: Katrina Lindsay
  • Choreographer: Javier de Frutos
  • Lighting Director: Jean Kalman
  • Sound Designer: Ben Harrison
  • Musical Director: David Steadman

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Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company presents

Cabaret

Fri 29 Aug 2008 – Sat 13 Sep 2008

Main House

Archive

Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood

Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Welcome to the multi award-winning hit West End production of Cabaret!

The “sensational” double Olivier Award Winner and Variety Club Awards Best Musical turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a divine haven of decadence, its extraordinary and morally ambiguous inhabitants determined to keep up appearances as the real world – outside the comfortable sanctuary of the cabaret – prepares for the nightmarish chaos of war.

And at its heart is the legendary Sally Bowles who performs nightly at the infamous Kit Kat Klub in “A shimmering masterpiece of a show guaranteed night after night! It’s divine decadence darling!”

Since its Broadway premiere in 1966 and the famous movie version, with Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey, Cabaret has won a staggering number of stage and screen awards including eight Oscars, seven BAFTAs and 13 Tonys.

Samantha Barks, the hugely popular finalist from the hit BBC series ‘I’d Do Anything’, stars as Sally Bowles. She joins world renowned dancer and TV favourite Wayne Sleep, who reprises his role as the notorious Emcee.

Date Time Date information
Fri 29th Aug 2008 19:30
Sat 30th Aug 2008 19:30
Mon 1st Sep 2008 19:30
Tue 2nd Sep 2008 19:00
Wed 3rd Sep 2008 19:30 After Dark
Thu 4th Sep 2008 14:30
Thu 4th Sep 2008 19:30
Fri 5th Sep 2008 19:30
Sat 6th Sep 2008 15:00
Sat 6th Sep 2008 20:00
Mon 8th Sep 2008 19:30
Tue 9th Sep 2008 19:30
Wed 10th Sep 2008 19:30 Spotlight
Thu 11th Sep 2008 14:30
Thu 11th Sep 2008 19:30 Audio Described Performance
Fri 12th Sep 2008 19:30 BSL Interpreted Performance
Sat 13th Sep 2008 15:00 Captioned Performance
Sat 13th Sep 2008 20:00

“Genius”
The Independent

“Wonderful”
The Express

“A Showstopper”
Daily Mail

“Superb”
Financial Times

“Sensational”
Mail On Sunday

“Compelling”
The Sunday Telegraph

  • Sally Bowles: Samantha Barks
  • Emcee: Wayne Sleep
  • Cliff Bradshaw: Henry Luxemburg
  • Schneider: Jenny Logan
  • Herr Schultz: Matt Zimmerman
  • Ernst: Karl Moffatt
  • Kost: Suanne Braun
  • Young Nazi: Theo Cook
  • Helga: Lucy James
  • Ensemble: Tom Woods
  • Ensemble: Danni Bowen
  • Ensemble: Nouska Hanly
  • Ensemble: Jessica Ellen
  • Ensemble: Cydney Uffindell-Phillips
  • Ensemble: Rebecca Scarrott
  • Ensemble: Alastair Postlethwaite
  • Ensemble: Benjamin Timothy
  • Ensemble: Hendrick January

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Comments

Scott Redgrave from Southampton

Can you please confirm the cast for this show

Jo from Leighton Buzzard

This version of the show is fantastic - don't miss it.

www.mrtoybox.co.uk from Wakefield

Love the show. Great story fantastic songs and who can resist those legs.

Marlene from Cornwall

Have booked to see "Cabaret" in Truro on Nov 22nd. Looking forward to it very much. Can you please tell me who will be cast in the part of Sally? Will it be "I'd Do Anything" finest contestant, Jessie Buckley? Or is that just a rumour? Look forward to hearing from you.

The REP from Birmingham

Hi Marlene Thanks for your message. The only casting which is confirmed so far is Wayne Sleep in the part of Emcee. As soon as we have more confirmed it will appear in the 'Cast' tab on this page. Best wishes Steph Falkiner

sian from powys

can you tell me what time the pre show talk starts on sept 10th, as we need to book transport. thanks sian

The REP from Birmingham

Hi Sian The pre show talk will begin at 6.30pm - we look forward to seeing you there. Kind regards Steph Falkiner

IAN from TAMWORTH

ON MY TICKETS IT SAYS THERE IS AN AFTERDARK DISCUSSION. WHATS THAT ALL ABOUT.

The REP from Birmingham

Hi Ian An After Dark is a post-show discussion in the auditorium, giving you the audience an opportunity to talk to members of the cast. The discussions are hosted by a member of our Learning and Participation team. It is a completely free event and open to all. Kind Regards Vicky

Donna

Is a pre show talk the same as an after dark one but before the show?!

The REP from Birmingham

Hello Scott, A full cast list for Cabaret can be found under the 'The Company' tab on this page. Hope this helps Regards Paul J Reece

The REP from Birmingham

To answer Donna's question, A Spotlight is a pre-show discussion that offers an insight into the process of creating a production from directors, writers and designers whereas an After Dark gives you the opportunity to speak to members of the cast straight after the show you’ve just seen. Both are great ways to enrich your experience - I’d highly recommend either. Regards Paul J Reece

Charlotte from Birmingham

I'm really excited about seeing Cabaret. I'm going on Friday 5th September. I watched I'd do anything and was a Jessie fan! But I really liked Sam aswell and seeing as it's a little too far to travel down to London to see something in the West End, this is a perfect opportunity to see a show I'm sure will be absolutely fantastic and one that I don't have much knowledge on which is great because I can go and enjoy watching it. I'm counting down the days now!

Louise

Has anyone seen this yet? Would like to hear some reviews :)

charlie from tam

why 14+ ? I'm 12 and had my heart set on going !!! Im gonna miss out on it now!!

embarrassed Brummie from birmingham

I have seen it and it was stunning. I would absolutely recommend that you see it....Wayne Sleep is totally perfect for the role and the production itself is masterful. It was only spoiled by one thing. I was embarrassed to be from Birmingham when my fellow Brummies just giggled their way through the final scenes of the Show. Obviously, seeing Wayne Sleep's bottom is more noteworthy than the imagery of the gassing of Jews during the Holocaust!. What was that about theatre being elitist?...last night it seemed like a good idea!.

Kate

I saw this last night and had a great evening. Wayne Sleep was suitably creepy and the whole production left you unsettled (as it should I feel). The staging was also very interesting to watch However, the standout for me was Samantha Barks, I didn't have high expectations and I was shocked by how talented an actress she is. I've never seen 'Cabaret' performed like she performed it. I would recommend this to anyone, although it is definitely not for kids!

Alex from Stourbridge

I saw this on the opening night and it was absolutely amazing. Is the anywhere i can get a poster?

Steph from The REP

Hi Alex Glad you enjoyed the show - we're really proud of it. If you drop me a line stephanie.falkiner@birmingham-rep.co.uk with your address, I'll send you a poster. Kind regards Steph

Melanie from Birmingham

I was so excited about going to see this show and didnt know what to expect - Ii took my friend along who doesnt like certain theatre productions, i not only fell in love with theatre again i managed to turn my friend's opinion around. The show was thought provoking and at the same time the funniest thing i have seen in years. Wayne Sleep as Emcee was just brilliant. I cannot rave about Cabaret enough, and agree definately not for children.

Rob from Birmingham

I saw the performance on Saturday evening. Knockout of a show. Dark and wonderful. A totally faultless cast. Wayne Sleep was fantastic. I am so glad that I saw Samantha Barks at the beginning of her stage career. She is going to be a huge star. And if there are any posters going...?

Charlotte from Birmingham

Why do you think it's not appropriate for children, are there lots of rude bits?

Steph from The REP

In response to the comments above, we have recommended Cabaret as being suitable for age 14+ since it contains nudity and some sexual scenes which may not be suitable for children. The guidelines we give are for guidance only - this is not the same as cinema certification and children younger than 14 will not be stopped from going in to see the show. We understand that levels of maturity vary greatly and therefore we give the above guidance so that parents can make an informed decision as to whether the show is suitable for the whole family. I hope this helps!

Charlotte from Birmingham

Hi Steph, thanks alot. Well, I'm 14 and my mum who's taking me really doesn't mind so it's fine anyway. I was just wondering why everyone seemed so bothered about it not being suitable. Thanks for your help.

Kevin Street from Stourbridge

A dark, menacing, seedy and totally engrossing performance, staged with flair and imagination. The contasting tableaux at the ends of Act 1 and 2 sum up the whole mood - from the naked Ayran 'Uber-Mensch' posing to the strains of 'Tomorrow Belongs to Me', to the cowering naked victims of the horror of the Holocaust as the nightmarish finale comes to a close - - - -wow! Forget the frothy bright lights of past productions - bring out the savage inhumanity and drabness of 1930s Berlin. Couldn't happen again? Get a ticket if you can!

virginia mosson from solihull

Please can you tell me what time the afternoon show ends on the 4 sept. Thankyou

Steph from The REP

Hi Virginia The show is running at around 2h30m so the matinee will finish at approx 5pm today. Kind regards Steph Falkiner

Jonathan from Birmingham

What can I say except - get a ticket NOW! What an incredible show - as seedy as you would expect, dark and menacing, extremely thought provoking, but at the same time completely hilarious. Wayne Sleep was brilliant but Samantha Barks makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up - just FANTASTIC! (hey Steph can I have a poster too?!!)

Steph from The REP

Hi everyone - thank you for all your fabulous comments! Those people who have asked for posters, if you drop me a line to stephanie.falkiner@birmingham-rep.co.uk with your name and address and I will be happy to send you one.

Paul Allum from Tamworth

Went to see Cabaret on the opening night, absolutely outstanding..agree with all the positive comments posted. LIVE THEATRE just cant be beaten. Wayne Sleep and Sam Barkes superb.....not to forget the rest of the talented cast!!!!!

sarah from Oldbury

What a fabulous show! Everything about the production was just mesmerising!!!! But also how moving and thought provoking. I went with my mum and nan and we were all left with a lump in our throats at the end. My nan lived through WW2 and seeing her wipe away a tear really reinforced the fact that even though I was watching a show and had enjoyed the escapism from the 'real world', what I was seeing was in fact reality. Afterwards I went to the stage door and had my programme signed by some of the cast who were so friendly and I would just like to say thank you for taking the time to speak to me. sarah

Josie from Tamworth.

Saw the Show last evening. What a wonderful start to Samantha's career - she was brilliant. Followed her progress on I'd Do Anything and was very impressed with her voice then. Hopefully she has a great future ahead of her and I will follow her career with interest. All the cast were excellent and I wish them all well for the remainder of the tour. A great evening - just sorry I didn't get to the stage door afterwards!

Charlotte from Birmingham

I went to see Cabaret last night and what can I say. It was just fabulous in every way. Sam Barks blew me away and Wayne Sleep was scary, but amazing! It was a dark show, but very enjoyable in an odd way and I really want to see it again now! If you can, go and get a ticket, you can't miss it. Thank you to everyone for putting this show together and I will never forget seeing it last night. xxx

Lou from Birmingham

We went to see Cabaret on Saturday, all 25 of us! It was amazing, especially the awesome talent that is Wayne Sleep! What can you say about the man, sheer utter brilliance ..... Sam Barkes's debut is to be commended. Many thanks to The REP and its crew as always, excellent.

Will from America

Wow, the costumes and choreography seem to have completely changed since I saw this production at the Lyric Theatre with Anna Maxwell Martin and James Dreyfus...

Janet from Coventry

Samantha Barks was incredible, can't wait to see her in the West End. Awesome performance, well done Samantha. All the cast were true professionals - every single one of them. (Wayne Sleep you are amazing!!) If you havent seen the show yet, go & buy a ticket, see for yourself how great this show really is.

Kate from Birmingham

No tickets left at all? :[ Was really looking forward to seeing this.

Steph from The REP

Hi Kate All performances of Cabaret are currently sold out, however because of the popularity of the production we are releasing a *limited* number of standing tickets on the day of the performance. These cost £8 per person, and you can either telephone the Sales Team on 0121 236 4455 on the day of the performance you would like to attend, or come in person to the Box Office. These tickets are very limited so please do contact us early on the day to avoid disappointment.

Jennifer from Birmingham

where exactly do the people with standing tickets go in the auditorium?

Carol from Walsall

I went to see Cabaret earlier this week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great performances by all the cast,and the musicians were excellent. Most enjoyable, I would recommend this production to anyone who gets the chance to see it. Are they touring this production? If so, where is is going next?

Steph from The REP

Hi Jennifer - standing tickets allow you to stand at the back of the auditorium. I stood to watch a performance last week and got a great view - The REP's auditorium means that there are no restricted views.

Jeni from Wales

Wow...!! I saw the show yesterday! It was amazing! I have never enjoyed a show so much - great music acting and dancing! Would LOVE to see it again!

Carl from Birmingham

Went on Sat to see this. Very impressed all round- loads of energy, great performances and the birth of a potential future star in Samantha Barks. Thing that impressed me the most though was the ending- absolutely chilling. Thought the subtleties of the historical context of the show were dealt with brilliantly and there was also a great moment in the finale of act 1 when the realisation of what the show is really about suddenly dawns. Very dark stuff, highly entertaining song and dance yet thought-provoking at the same time. How often can you say that of a musical!

Lucy from Redditch

Well good man! x

James from Birmingham

I went to see Cabaret last night, I'm not much of a theatre person and generally go once a year (under protest!) as my wife enjoys it. HOWEVER I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this production from start to finish, every member of the cast was 1st class as is the venue. The singing, dancing, acting, music just everything. The girls are all gorgeous and my wife approved of the boys!

charlie from Tamworth

I went to see the show on the 11th September and it was absolutely fantastic. Samantha has a very bright future, i'd love to see her as Velma Kelly in Chicago !!! Wayne Sleep was so funny !! I loved this show better than west end !!

Emily Sophia Parkes from Stourbridge

Superb. Loved it. Sexier and more chilling than the film version.

annette from birmingham

What an amazing show, saw the last performance at the rep before it moves on to the next venue, such an incredible show and great performances from all, so cannot believe that sam is only 17, god knows what she will be like in 10 years time, really wish i could see it again is there any more posters going as i would love one as a souvenier of the incredible show. i too got a lump in my throat at the end and a thanks to the theatre staff with the advice and info they gave me reference whether my mum could get around the theatre with her broken ankle, she had a great visit, and is a great venue for people that have mobility issues

alice from wrexham

I went to see Cabaret with my school and its the best theatre performance i have seen yet! I really enjoyed Sally Bowles and Clifford Bradshaw's characters and costumes! I would like to give my praise to Birmingham Rep and the cast that took part in Cabaret! well done! alice maelor school penley xx

Brian Cowley from Isle of Man

When is the show coming to the Isle of Man and when can we buy tickets{as im sure they will sell out very quickly}meny thanks BRIAN. PS. Hate to be cheeky but is there any chance of a poster for my daughter Amy.

Steph from The REP

Hello Brian - Cabaret isn't currently scheduled to come to the Isle of Man - you can see the full tour list here http://www.kenwright.com/default.asp?contentID=874. However I would be pleased to send you a poster if you email me your address to stephanie.falkiner@birmingham-rep.co.uk. Kind regards Steph Falkiner

Sam from Wrexham

I enjoyed this production! It was very entertaining and I would go and would recommend anyone to see it.

Charlie from Hall Green

Hi, I recently watched this fantastic performance on a school trip and I was just wondering if you tell me the name of the Theatre company which put this show on? Thank you

Steph from The REP

Hello again Brian - I've just heard that Cabaret *will* in fact be going to the Isle Of Man - the Gaiety Theatre in March 2009. Tickets are on sale now.

Sarah from Cheltenham

The production was AMAZING!!! Wayne Sleep and Sam Barks were both outstanding. I would love a copy on dvd to watch again and again!!

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