Major cast changes in Cabaret on 2 Oct 2007

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.

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