It is not often that an iconic musical theatre production is reintroduced to a new tour circuit, but that is what was recently announced. There will be a new UK tour of Cabaret, which will star Will Young and recent Strictly Come Dancing finalist Louise Redknapp.
Star names are common for touring shows, drawing regional crowds wherever the show lands. Despite this, the pair or performers have both demonstrated huge talent and the show looks set for success. Will Young will reprise his Olivier-nominated performance as the Emcee for the production, while Louise Redknapp will make her stage debut as Sally Bowles. For die-hard fans the challenge is on for Louise, with huge shoes to fill.
Will Young shot to fame when he won Pop Idol back in 2002, and he has since become a bestselling pop artist. He made his West End debut in Cabaret in 2012 and has displayed great talent in other roles such as in Mrs Henderson Presents. Like Louise, Will took part in Strictly Come Dancing 2016. Louise, also a singer, was originally part of the girl group Eternal, and left the band to forge her solo career. Her stint on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing saw her demonstrate great aptitude for dance too.
This touring production will be a revival of Rufus Norris’ staging. It will open on 21 September at the New Wimbledon Theatre and will run until 30 September, before touring to Blackpool (2-7 October), Cardiff (17-21 October), Leeds (24-28 October), Milton Keynes (31 October-4 November), Salford (7-11 November), Edinburgh (14-18 November), Bromley (21-25 November) and Brighton (5-9 December).
Cabaret features songs including “Money Makes the World Go Round”, “Two Ladies” and “Maybe This Time”. Choreography for the production will be by iconic contemporary dance choreographer Javier De Frutos.