Cabaret - Playhouse Theatre

Thanks, the text turned up about half an hour later. Might be worth noting if you are planning to take the test late in the day.

So I thought the production design was incredible (set/lighting/costume/make up - all stunning) and the direction.

Jessie as Sally Bowles gave such a nuanced performance and made the role her own.

I'm unsure about the Emcee and Clifford however.

Joanna Lumley was in the house (royalty)

Now a slight rant...I also wish that there wasn't this 'table service,' meals / wine what have you. In Act 2 there was a moment between Sally / Clifford which was ruined by someone knocking something over...and then it happened again in the space of a minute. The audience were tittering at that rather than the stage & it pulled focus. Unfortunately I was sat next to a pair who won via a lottery and they wouldn't shut up throughout, constantly pouring wine and pointing.

Hadestown, Once, and Band’s visit also come to
Mind…I don’t like shows that think they are revelatory

I also hated Once. I was so utterly bored! 

I was also there last night. I've never seen any other production of Cabaret before and never even seen the film, so I had nothing to compare it to. I really enjoyed it! I think the thing I most enjoyed was the real sense of escapism they'd created from when you enter in through the basement, it really did feel like you'd left London completely. I was also totally fascinated by what they had done to the theatre - it truly is stunning. I was in Row C of the upper circle and was so surprised by how great the view was for only £25! I didn't feel too distant, and the view was absolutely perfect. I loved being able to see the choreography from above too. My only complaint is there is zero signage on how to actually get to the upper circle once you reach the main foyer, and I've only ever sat in the stalls at the playhouse before so had no idea where to go. It was absolutely packed and I could barely squeeze through everyone to try and hope I stumbled upon the staircase! Also still no proper programmes (If anyone that's going in the near future can post on here when they eventually have them I'd appreciate it so I can go and pick one up).

As mentioned I haven't seen this done before so can't compare the performances to anything. Eddie's performance was unlike anything else I'd seen him do, and I found him very creepy but in a good way. His vocals could have been a bit stronger, I did struggle to understand some parts. I thought Jessie was pretty good too, though I could see that there's been some directorial choices made which left me a little disappointed in her 'big' numbers. I was pretty disappointed by Omari Douglas which was a shame - I loved him in It's a Sin and thought he was amazing in Constellations, but he was just a bit flat in this, though that may have just been the character.

Very much so

Doubtful. He’ll only have to apologise to all German actors in 5 years time if he does.

Cliff is just kind of a blah character. But that works as a love interest for heedless Sally. For me, Adam Godley is the only one who's really sold me on the appeal of Cliff.

Actually, it depends how the director focuses it. Cliff is actually the POV character for the audience, and he is the one that goes on the most obvious journey in the piece.

The last version of saw of the Rufus Norris I saw, the focus was clearly retooled towards Cliff over Sally. Possibly because Matt Rawle is a stronger musical theatre performer than Michelle Ryan.  He got to sing "Why Should I Wake Up?" while "Don't Tell Mama" was barely performed, and he was featured in more interlude/transition scenes (without dialogue)

I think the reviews will interesting as well.
Recently as musicals started to open after the lockdown I think critic's have been quite generous with their reviews but I think that period has come to an end and we will have more honest reviews so I am expecting some great and not so great ones.

I think reviews will be very positive, 4 to 5 stars with the odd 3*