Review: CABARET at Krudttønden

*NB. This review is written by Gemma Wilkie*

"Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome...fremde, étranger, stranger" are the first words to the audience of Copenhagen Theatre Circle's latest show Cabaret, which opened on Wednesday night, Oct. 3, at Krudttønden. Strangers or not, we are soon to become intimately acquainted with this set of striking and bohemian characters as they enjoy the last days of decadence in Berlin in 1931 in this slick, sexy (and sometimes scary) musical.

The story focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, which reflects the menacing political situation in 1930s Germany as the Nazis rise to power. The plot revolves around young American writer Cliff Bradshaw, played by Kat Nicholas, and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles, played by Antonia Pipaluk Stahnke. Both actors had strong stage presence and vocal ability, building our hopes for the future of Cliff and Sally's burgeoning, if tenuous, relationship.

Straight away, we were ready to be entertained (and sometimes a little shocked) by cast of the Kit Kat Club's very own cabaret, introduced by the indomitable master of ceremonies, or "Emcee" as he is known. The Emcee was played by Kristian Husted, who showed powerful vocal talent alongside sharp comic timing and just the right amount of menace. Personal highlights were the gloriously naughty Two Ladies and If You Could See Her - the latter's playful tone taking a dramatic turn at the end.

The Kit Kat girls and boys each had their own clear and distinct character, plus wonderfully risqué costumes to match. They truly brought the cabaret to life with the help of an excellent live band, who were stacked to the rafters. Some first night audience members added to the atmosphere by dressing in period costume...long may this continue!

The switch from bohemian good times to the oppression of the Nazi regime was brought home by the performance of Tai Birkholm Segel as the likeable and generous Ernst Ludwig. He changes the play's tone with a single, chilling gesture.

A special mention for Bente Frederikson and Frank Theakston, who depicted the doomed romance between landlady Fräulein Schneider and her Jewish fruit vendor suitor Herr Schultz with real chemistry and tenderness. Also to Nathalie Bessonnet as the hilariously unrepentant lady of the night, Fräulein Kost.

Visit the CTC's very own Cabaret and you can be sure of a warm welcome, highly entertaining musical performance and also goosebumps as the story turns rapidly with the political tide in Germany as the Nazis rise to power. Watch out for the tap dance at the beginning of Act 2. It's a treat not to be missed.

Cabaret runs from 3-6 and 10-13 October 2018 at Krudttønden - hurry, as some dates are already sold out. More information and tickets at https://ctcircle.dk/cabaret/.

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