A Level Drama Students Enjoy ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Bacchae’ 

Last week, our A level Drama cohort headed off to London for their annual all-day trip to see a matinee and evening show.    

This year, they went to the Kit Kat Club to catch the iconic show ‘Cabaret’, with Rob Madge and Hannah Dodd featuring as the two leads.  Then, it was off to the National Theatre to see ‘Bacchae’, a thrilling new version of Euripides’ tragedy by Nima Taleghani.  

Year 13’s Phoebe and Emily share their reviews of the shows and the day together. 

Phoebe, Year 13 – Review of ‘Cabaret’ 

‘Cabaret’ is unapologetically raunchy and outrageously cheeky… a deliciously intoxicating blend that seduces while it provokes.  From the moment you step through the doors of the Kit Kat club, you’re transported – no longer are you made to feel like a spectator, but you become a member of the club itself.  

The opening scene was spectacular: an electrifying celebration of life, diversity and sexuality, with a live band and rotating stage – it was refreshing in its open embrace, and fearless, too.  The descent into fascism caught me off guard: it danced in—cloaked in glitter and song—betraying the audience’s trust.  

The show’s message feels painfully timely, a quiet warning of how intolerance and oppression often arrive masked in charm, echoing unsettling truths about the current state of political affairs.  

Narrated by Rob Madge, the Emcee, whose stage presence and comic timing was faultless.  What a joy to watch this fantabulous celebration of life.  

Emily, Year 13 – Review of ‘Bacchae’ 

‘Bacchae’ is a modern reimagining of a classic Greek tragedy using movement, music and rhyme to create a fresh take on ancient storytelling.  

A strong female chorus, led by the powerhouse that is Clare Perkins, guided the audience through the twists and turns of the plot.  

With the perfect mix of humour, emotion and infinite energy this play was bold, vivacious and influential. The scriptwriting was witty yet powerful and the music, movement and rhythm pulsed through each scene creating a delightful overall experience.  The ancient tale was used as a scaffold to explore modern-day issues such as female liberation and toxic masculinity.  

An incredibly didactic performance, ‘Bacchae’ did everything you want a piece of theatre to do.  The whole audience left inspired, empowered and entertained.