On Saturday, the Bridewell Theatre
held an audience for the showing of Cabaret Macabre.
British Youth Music Theatre had created a 30-female-and-non-binary-person-strong cast who in turn told the stories of some of the world's most famous women - each of them having one thing in common, they were all dead.
With names such as Princess Diana Spencer, Marilyn
Monroe and Jo Cox; I was interested to see what this piece was about and how
their take on these women would develop given the sensitive nature of some of
their deaths.
Our compere for the night was Joan of Arc, the Saint
of course. Walking into her establishment the set was simple yet effective; 6
round tables with chairs, gave the feel of an underground speakeasy; the band
to the left cementing this 1920's image. The wall at the back plastered with
colours of black, white and red reading “Joans Place - Paris”. Jack
Weir's lighting design complimented each scene by setting the atmosphere for
each story to be told wonderfully – the green hues during the witches scene
will stick with me.
The Cabaret Macabre combines music and words in true cabaret style, the different musical
styles of tango, waltz, blues and polka all commemorating the Berlin composers
which this show is based on. If 'Six' and 'The Addams Family' had a love child,
this would be what Jessica Walker and
Joseph Atkins put on stage and it was fantastic! Choreography from Steven
Harris was also beautiful; the precision, the energy and the transitions was aesthetically
pleasing throughout!
Olivia Spillane played a fantastic Joan of Arc, given the enormity of her role, her character was relaxed yet comedic at times whilst also bringing a fierceness to the role. Emma Falconer played a brilliant Marie Antoinette both vocally strong and sassy, her costume was by far my favourite! Maria Callas was played by the outstanding Mariella Steele whose voice knows no bounds, her vocals were beautiful. Eleanor Meredith showed her incredible talent by tap dancing her way into our hearts, her portrayal of Isadora Duncan was well thought-out and her facial expressions clearly reflected the character's emotions. Also a special shout-out to the witches, whose second number was incredible, they really did capture their audience. I could honestly continue to praise each and every young person in this cast because they were all phenomenal! Musically listening to this ensemble perform was captivating and I enjoyed every second.
Overall
Walker, Atkins, Harris, Weir, Exeter and the rest of their superb team deserve
the upmost credit for this fabulous show. Bravo!
Reviewer - Caroline Bleakley
on - 7.8.21
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