Matt Willis to return to the role of Emcee in 'Cabaret'

Q: What are the songs in Cabaret?

Cabaret features some well-known Kander and Ebb classics, including “Maybe This Time,” “Willkommen,” and “Mein Herr.” Read our complete guide to the songs in Cabaret.

Q: Who wrote Cabaret?

The book for Cabaret was written by Joe Masteroff. John Kander composed the music, and Fred Ebb provided the lyrics.

Q: Is Cabaret appropriate for kids?

Cabaret is not suitable for those under the age of 13. This is due to content of a suggestive sexual nature, anti-Semitism, an incidence of domestic violence, and references to abortion.

The actor will return to the Kit Kat Club from 14 December 2026 – 23 January 2027.

Summary

Willis will begin performances from 14 December
Skylar Astin, who is currently playing the Emcee will play his final performance on 12 December 2026
Sarah Hyland, who is playing Sally Bowles, and Willis’s final performances will be on 23 January 2027

Aliya Al-Hassan4 November, 2026, 16:20

Willkommen and bienvenue again to actor, presenter and Brit Award winner Matt Willis who will return to the role of Emcee, in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club for a limited 6 week run.

Willis will begin performances from 14 December, alongside Sarah Hyland as Sally Bowles. Skylar Astin, who is currently playing the Emcee will play his final performance on 12 December 2026. Hyland and Willis’s final performances will be on 23 January 2027.

Willis said, “To get to step into what felt like a once in a lifetime role for a second time is beyond exciting. I love this show so much and feel honoured to be asked back.”

Set in early 1930s Berlin, American writer Cliff Bradshaw meets English cabaret singer Sally Bowles, a performer at the Kit Kat Club. But the rise of Nazism threatens this hedonistic Weimar Republic haven.

Featuring songs such as “Wilkommen”, “Don’t Tell Mama”, “Meir Herr”, “Money”, and “Maybe This Time.” this production won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards in 2022 and is currently booking until 18 September 2027.

The current company includes Skylar Astin as Emcee, Sarah Hyland as Sally Bowles, Baker Mukasa as Clifford Bradshaw, Ruthie Henshall as Fraulein Schneider, Robert Hands as Herr Schultz, Ronan Burns as Ernst Ludwig, Lindsay Atherton as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie, Joe Atkinson, Xavion Campbell-Brown, Olivia-Rose Deer, Anya Ferdinand, Danny Fogarty, Lily Frances, Adrian Grove, Peter Houston, Samuel How, Bailey Johnson, Ellie Mitchell, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Eva-Rose Tanaka, Natasha Wilde and Nicky Wong Rush.

The Prologue Company are Isobel Bates, Rachel Benson, Ami Benton, Jonathan Charles, Shanelle Clemenson, Andrew Linnie, Zara Liu, Dak Mashava, Brian James O’Sullivan, Jack William Parry and Shiho Yokoyama.

Buy Cabaret tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

Frequently asked questions

What is Cabaret about?

What good is sitting alone in your room– get immersed in the Kit Kat Club. This award-winning production transforms the Playhouse Theatre, with strictly limited capacity for a unique, intimate experience. It’s the perfect way to experience this classic story of a cabaret singer at the dawn of Nazi Germany. Book your place with Cabaret tickets today.

Where is Cabaret playing?

Cabaret is playing at Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre. The theatre is located at Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5DE.

How long is Cabaret?

The running time of Cabaret is 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.

What's the age recommendation for Cabaret?

The recommended age for Cabaret is Ages 13+..

How do you book tickets for Cabaret?

Book tickets for Cabaret on London Theatre.

What are the songs in Cabaret?

Cabaret features some well-known Kander and Ebb classics, including “Maybe This Time,” “Willkommen,” and “Mein Herr.” Read our complete guide to the songs in Cabaret.

Who wrote Cabaret?

The book for Cabaret was written by Joe Masteroff. John Kander composed the music, and Fred Ebb provided the lyrics.

Who directed Cabaret?

The London revival of Cabaret was directed by Rebecca Frecknall (Streetcar Named Desire, Summer and Smoke), for which she won the Olivier Award for Best Director.

Is Cabaret appropriate for kids?

Cabaret is not suitable for those under the age of 13. This is due to content of a suggestive sexual nature, anti-Semitism, an incidence of domestic violence, and references to abortion.

Is Cabaret good?

This revival reimagines and brings to life the captivating world of the Kit Kat Klub on the London stage. Read our four-star review of Cabaret here.

Is Cabaret immersive?

Cabaret is a highly immersive revival of a Kander and Ebb classic. The Playhouse Theatre’s transformation into the Kit Kat Club is incredible.

When should you arrive at the theatre for Cabaret?

We suggest arriving an hour before your performance time. This is due to pre-show entertainment at the Kit Kat Club before Cabaret begins on the main stage.

Originally published on Nov 4, 202616:20