Cabaret Tickets

Forget Studio 54, there’s only one club that all the cool (kit) kats want to visit! The Berlin nightclub has already seen international model Cara Delevingne, Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne and Grammy nominee Jake Shears walk through its doors, and now it’s time for two new stars. From 23 September, Olivier nominee Adam Gillen (Amadeus, Benidorm) will take on the role of the Emcee. Joining him will be Golden Globe nominee Katherine Langford (Knives Out, 13 Reasons Why) as Sally Bowles. Current leads, Layton Williams and Rhea Norwood will be saying auf wiedersehen to Cabaret on 21 September. 

Best known for playing the loveable but clueless Liam in Benidorm, Gillen has developed a reputation for his quirky, comedic roles on both television and stage. Gillen’s previous stage credits include the critically acclaimed Amadeus and Killer Joe. He has also appeared in popular comedy series Fresh Meat and Pram Face.

Langford is set to make her West End debut. She gained worldwide attention for her award nominated portrayal of Hannah Baker in Netflix’s smash-hit series 13 Reasons Why. She also starred in the hilarious whodunnit Knives Out, as well as the heart-warming rom-com Love, Simon.

Life is a cabaret, old chum, especially with the Cabaret the Musical characters at the Kit Kat Club. Set in interwar Berlin, follow American writer Cliff Bradshaw as he seeks inspiration for future novels in a seedy nightclub, only to fall for the leading starlet, Sally Bowles, and a growing political agenda. 

Sure, there’s lots of glitz and sparkle throughout the Cabaret London musical. But there are also plenty of shocking moments throughout the score. Discover all the Cabaret musical songs. But now, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to meet all the characters in Cabaret. The Kit Kat Club awaits. 

Meet Cabaret characters 

There’s lots of popular characters in Cabaret. Theatre fans and those who’ve never seen Cabaret before will be familiar with Sally Bowles. She’s hailed as the “toast of Mayfair” and the English rose performing at the Kit Kat Club night after night. The Emcee hosts Kit Kat Club events, welcoming guests like Cliff Bradshaw into the Berlin club. And what’s a Kit Kat Club without a bevy of supporting dancers, ready to support the Emcee’s every move? As Cabaret deals with the rise of a Nazi Germany state, some characters are involved in politics more than others, notably Ernst Ludwig, Frau Schneider and Herr Schultz. 

Cliff Bradshaw

Cliff Bradshaw is an American writer who travels to Berlin in search of inspiration for his novel. At first, he’s pretty naive to European living; he’s grown up in small-town Ohio. But as he grows closer to Sally Bowles and discovers the harsh realities of a politically turbulent climate, Cliff finds himself teetering on the brink of chaos. Through Cabaret, you’ll learn that Cliff’s loss of innocence is a reflection of a changing Germany. Michael Ahomka-Lindsay currently plays Cliff Bradshaw. 

Sally Bowles

Sally Bowles is a breath of fresh air in the Cabaret musical. On the surface, she’s a free-spirited, all-singing, all-dancing whirlwind. But as the musical progresses, it’s apparent her lackadaisical nature is all a facade. She longs for love and stability and bounces from man to man in the hopes that she’ll find her person. When politics changes in Cabaret, Sally is reluctant to get involved and continues to see Berlin as the central place of joy. But is this because she’s not affected, or it’s the only place she calls “home”? Cara Delevigne, Aimee Lou Wood, and Jessie Buckley have all played Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Rhea Norwood currently stars as Sally Bowles.

The Emcee 

Oozing charisma, the Emcee flamboyantly hosts the Kit Kat Club. A narrator figure of sorts, his witty and playful moments help propel the story and guide audiences through the seductive underworld. If you watch Cabaret in London, you may feel unsettled by the Emcee, but that’s okay! His sharp wit and magnetic presence will provoke feelings. Eddie Redmayne, John McCrea and Jake Shears have played the Emcee. Layton Williams stars as the Emcee in Cabaret. 

Much like its feline namesake, The Kit Kat Club, has had plenty of past lives! Originally opened in 1882 as the Royal Avenue Theatre, it was later renamed the Playhouse Theatre in 1907, before its refurbishment in 2021, where it was renamed again. One of its most notable productions was George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man in 1894, which helped cement its reputation as a serious dramatic venue.

The theatre has also seen performances by legendary actors such as John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier. In the 1950s, it was the site of the BBC Radio program The Goon Show, starring Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers. More recently, it hosted the critically acclaimed immersive production of The Jungle, which brought audiences into the heart of the Calais refugee camp, before saying Willkommen to the multi award-winning phenomenon, Cabaret in 2021.

What are the best seats at the Playhouse Theatre?

Cabaret is performed in the round with Stalls seats providing the best views. Table seats, located right in front of the stage, are particularly desirable - they promise a fantastically unique experience of the show that includes immersion and interaction with the cast.

Save money without compromising on experience with seats in the Dress Circle or Upper Circle. These seats are not as immersive as the Stalls, but the show is in the round and plays to the whole auditorium, so you won't miss out on any of the action. You will still be fully immersed in the Berlin nightclub scene, as everyone enters through a side door where performers wander and entertain before the show starts!

Playhouse Theatre Seating Plan

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to Cabaret. Set in interwar Berlin, step foot into the Kit Kat Club, a hedonistic paradise where political influence shapes everything. You’ll meet talk-of-the-town Sally Bowles, American writer Cliff Bradshaw, and who can forget the elusive Emcee. 

Cabaret continues to wow in London’s West End, thanks to a reconfigured Playhouse Theatre newly named the Kit Kat Club for the production. Expect a Cabaret prologue with jazz music and dance before the curtain rises for a theatrical experience you’ll never forget. Although the Cabaret London production has a lot of contemporary flair, all the traditional elements remain, including the Kander & Ebb songs. Discover more about all the Cabaret songs and guarantee your entry to the Kit Kat Club. Because in there, life is beautiful. 

The most famous Cabaret musical songs

There’s many Cabaret songs you’ll recognise before seeing the show, thanks to Liza Minnelli’s career-defining performance as Sally Bowles in the 1972 Cabaret film. Listen out for the gutwrenching ballad “Maybe This Time”, the powerful ensemble piece “Tomorrow Belongs to Me”, as well as the infamous title song. By the end of the musical, you’ll be humming “Life is a cabaret, old chum”... 

Willkommen

Welcome to the Kit Kat Club. Once you’re inside these doors, anything goes. The Emcee leads the chorus number, telling people about the joys of the Kit Kat Club. Audiences also meet a variety of club performers, including Texas, Frenchie, Helga and Lulu. Find out more about the Cabaret West End cast.

So What?

If you thought Cabaret is just that - a cabaret - then you’re sorely mistaken. “Wilkommen” sets the German club in interwar Berlin, a politically volatile setting. While some are (or seem to be) living the high life, others are left with a pittance to survive. Think of this as you’re watching Cliff Bradshaw bargain with Fraulein Schneider over rent. She wants 100 marks, he can only give 50. She begrudgingly takes the offer and realises that if you’ve only got one lemon, you have to make some lemonade.  

Don't Tell Mama

It’s time to introduce the woman of the moment, Sally Bowles. The Emcee’s so proud of his protege, he hails her the “Toast of Mayfair”. With a thick British accent and an overconfident personality, it’s easy to cheer for Sally in this flirtatious song. 

Mein Herr

In between “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Mein Herr”, Cliff meets Sally and he falls for the chanteuse. Sally’s keen to play it safe - she doesn’t want to upset her boyfriend. However, the underlying subtext in “Mein Herr” implies that Sally’s boyfriend is a little overbearing. As Sally says in the song “Bye-Bye, Mein Lieber Herr, Farewell, mein Lieber Herr, It was a fine affair, But now it's over, And though I used to care, I need the open air, You're better off without me, Mein Herr”.

Perfectly Marvellous

Cliff is more than a writer, he’s also an English teacher. A whirlwind day sees Cliff finish a lesson with Ernst before deciding to live with Sally Bowles. While it seems romantic on the surface, it’s because Sally’s boyfriend Max kicked her out and she doesn’t have a place to go. At first, Cliff doesn’t want to live with Sally, but who can resist Sally's charm? And that’s perfectly marvellous to them!

Two Ladies

Part of the Cabaret musical charm is its ability to switch between story-led songs and breakaway music that enhance the  Kit Kat Club world. “Two Ladies” is one of them. The Emcee leads two of the Kit Kat Club ensemble in a sexually charged number. Once you’ve listened to the song a few times, you’ll realise the similarities between “Two Ladies” and Cliff and Sally’s living arrangements.

It Couldn't Please Me More (A Pineapple)

Say hello to Herr Schultz. He’s one of Fraulein Schneider's boarders, and he’s head-over-heels for her. As a Jewish man in 1930s Berlin, every day brings unspeakable challenges. His steadfast perseverance to keep going is mightily impressive, and he’s even got time to buy gifts. He gives her a pineapple, showing he wears his heart on his sleeve. Watch out for the pineapple during the show.

Tomorrow Belongs to Me

Back in the Kit Kat Club, hushed whispers about the rise of Nazi Germany infiltrate discussions. One man starts singing “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” acapella, quickly followed by the congregation. In their hearts, they’re respecting the Fatherland. But, it quickly represents a darker world. 

Maybe This Time

Pretty soon after Sally and Cliff start living together, Sally falls pregnant. It’s an issue for both - how are they meant to raise a family in a room? It’s doubly difficult for Sally as she doesn’t know who the father is. Sally and Cliff are conflicted on whether to keep the baby. “Maybe This Time” follows the Kit Kat Club’s lead singer as she reflects on everything that’s led her to the edge of despair. 

Money

Wherever you are, money makes the world go round. The Emcee pops up in the middle of the Kit Kat Club to sing “Money”, a brashy song that celebrates the clinking sounds of coins while mocking those with nothing. Juxtapose the Emcee’s interpretation of money with Cliff’s. He needs all he can get to live. Will he take Ernst’s offer to earn easy money by spreading political messages to France? 

Married

We don’t meet Herr Schultz and Fräulein Schneider often in the Cabaret London musical. But by the end of Act One, Schultz successfully asks for Schneider’s hand in marriage. Fräulein Kost doesn’t think it’s a real relationship, but it’s arguably the most stable relationship throughout the musical. Be the judge yourself and see Cabaret in the West End. 

Tomorrow Belongs to Me (Reprise)

Emotional backstabbing is at the heart of this politically-charged Act One ending. Kost reveals to Ernst Ludwig that Schultz is a Jew, leaving Ernst with no choice but to show his political affiliations. He’s a swastika-wearing Nazi. Berlin has transformed from a jazz capital to the hub of a far-right state. Who does tomorrow belong to?

It was a big night for A Little Life, with the four-hour adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara’s multimillion bestseller picking up acting prizes for its stars James Norton and Luke Thompson. The play which follows four friends as they navigate life in New York City, was praised for its unflinching depiction of rape and self-harm, and saw the production extended twice, ending its run at The Savoy Theatre after transferring from the Harold Pinter Theatre due to phenomenal ticket demand. Another show which saw record-breaking standing ovations at the Savoy Theatre, Sunset Boulevard, needed a wide shot, not a close up, to get all its awards in the frame.

Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, Olivier winner Jessie Buckly and It’s a Sin star Callum Scott Howells have all starred in the seven-time Olivier Award-winning, critically acclaimed production of Cabaret, and today it has been confirmed that Cara Delevingne and Luke Treadaway will be following in their high kicking footsteps! The electrifying pair will step into the Kit Kat Club from 11 March 2024 for 12 weeks only, with current stars Jake Shears and Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem) playing the lead roles until 9 March 2024.

The seven-time Olivier Award-winning, critically acclaimed production of Cabaret has announced that the roles of The Emcee and Sally Bowles will be filled by music legends Jake Shears and Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem). The electrifying pair will step into the ambient Kit Kat Club from Monday, September 25, 2023. 

It’s 1930s Berlin and the Nazi party is on the rise, but remember old chum, there’s a place where people go to drop the constraints of this changing society.

The Kit Kat Club - where decadence meets disillusionment, and where the boundaries of entertainment no longer exist. It is presided over by the enigmatic, all-knowing, and gender non-conformative Master of Ceremonies, the Emcee. 

Throughout the years, a roster of remarkable actors has donned their suspenders and the iconic bowler hat to bring the undercurrents of Berlin’s nightlife and the character Emcee to life. Leave your troubles outside and let us say Willkommen (in no particular order) to the Emcees who’ve made The Kit Kat Club Berlin’s number-one hotspot over the years!

‘In here, life is beautiful!’ and judging by the latest cast production images from London’s Kit Kat Club, we tend to agree! Following their debut performance last week, let’s say willkommen to the latest stars of the smash-hit musical, Maude Apatow (Euphoria), and Mason Alexander Park (The Sandman) ‘Hallo!’ Playing until the 16 December, don’t miss your chance to see this multi-award-winning smash-hit musical. Book your tickets today.