Major cast changes in Cabaret on 2 Oct 2007

Major cast changes have been announced in Cabaret, at the Lyric theatre: Amy Nuttall (Sally Bowles), Julian Clary (Emcee), Angela Richards (Fraulein Schneider), Barry James (Herr Schultz), join the cast from 2 Oct 2007.

Julian Clary will replace James Dreyfus in the role of the Emcee in Cabaret. Julian first gained recognition through his notorious stand-up routines and quickly became a household name in British Comedy. After appearing on Channel Four's Friday Night Live in the late eighties, he co-wrote and starred in his own comedy series - Terry and Julian, Sticky Moments, & Sticky Moments on Tour - plus two series and a Christmas special of All Rise for Julian Clary. Julian also starred in a Carry On film - Carry on Columbus and features in Nick Moran's comedy movie entitled Baby Juice Express. Julian was last seen in the West End when he starred in Taboo as Leigh Bowery in 2002.

Amy Nuttall will replace Kim Medcalf in the lead role of Sally Bowles. Amy transfers directly from a successful revival of Boeing Boeing at the Comedy Theatre, also in the West End. Amy has been involved in the world of musical theatre from the age of 16 when she was chosen to understudy Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Since then she has starred in the UK Tour of My Fair Lady and the recent West End production of Guys and Dolls. Amy is also known to millions as ‘Chloe Atkinson’ from Emmerdale, in which she appeared from 2000 to 2005.

Angela Richards, will be replacing Honor Blackman. Known to television viewers from Across The Lake starring opposite Anthony Hopkins and for her leading role in the 1970s BBC drama Secret Army, Angela is a leading light of West End musical theatre: Olivier Award nominated for Side by Side with Sondheim, other star performances included taking over as Grizabella from Elaine Page in Cats and playing the tragic Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers.

Barry James will replace Francis Matthews in the role of Herr Schultz. Barry has performed in musicals such as Les Miserables, Chicago and Beauty and Beast, both in the West End and around the country. He was most recently in the Menier Chocolate Factory’ production of The Little Shop of Horrors.

Cabaret opened on 10 Oct 2006, following previews from 22 Sep, to excellent notices from the popular press: THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Inventive, musically vigorous production." THE INDEPENDENT says, "Rufus Norris's production of the Kander/Ebb classic is the most stunningly fresh and imaginative revival of a classic musical that I have ever seen." THE GUARDIAN says, "Forty years after its premiere, Cabaret increasingly looks like one of the defining musicals of the postwar era." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "This is a strong and daring revival of a great musical that combines unforgettable songs with genuinely gripping and disturbing drama."

Cabaret, with book by Joe Matseroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, was based on John van Druten’s play I am a Camera which in turn took its inspiration from Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin stories. The multi award-winning musical was conceived in 1966, later becoming the 1972 film with Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey - the film was to win 8 Academy Awards.

It is directed by Rufus Norris, designed by Katrina Lindsay with choreography by Javier De Frutos. It is produced by Bill Kenwright.

Berlin of 1931 a dark and sexually charged 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. At its heart is the legendary Sally Bowles who nightly performs at the infamous Kit Kat Klub in ‘A shimmering masterpiece of a show guaranteed night after night! It’s divine decadence darling!’

Cabaret is currently taking bookings to 1 March 2008