Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club
Playhouse Theatre
Interview With Lindsay Atherton
A huge willkommen to our new cast members!
Look, I think we have established that 'Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club' is one of the most exquisite theatre experiences London has to offer. It's been at the Playhouse Theatre since 2021! Long may it continue.
They have recently shaken up the production, and not only have we got a brand new Sally Bowles, played by Broadway STAR Sarah Hyland and the Emcee is played by Skylar Astin, but there is also a new ensemble of incredible performers and a shake-up of the principal roles. It feels like the show has had a whole new personality; it's definitely time to get yourself down to the Kit Kat Club; it's calling you, theatre angels. If you aren't convinced, here is a very interesting interview with Lindsay Atherton, who plays 'Fraulein Kost' and 'Fritzie'. She has shared her experience joining the show, celebrating the new and remaining cast members.
Q: What does the Kit Kat Club mean to you?
A: I've worked in Germany quite a few times now, and Berlin is one of my favourite cities. I love it. I love the fact that you can be whoever you want in Berlin. Every part of Berlin feels different as well. So you can go to whatever part of it and just be whoever you want to be that day. I think the Kit Kat Club allows you to be your most beautiful, authentic self, which I think is just so important, and we have to celebrate that more.
Also, on a career point, I have loved my career so far; I've done the most different things. But I dreamt of having a role that allows me to dance, sing, act, play, and because of the nature of the way this show runs, we're always in rehearsals, and I love that challenge. I love being kept on my toes. I love the fact that we are encouraged to find our own versions of everything. You don't always get that, and it's really special. They really want to see YOU in the role. The show itself is so brilliantly crafted, from the way that it's been directed to the way that the theatre feels when you walk in; the design is incredible! The costumes, the makeup, everything- it's just a whole other world that you get to slip into every night.
Q: How does this role differ from other roles you've played?
A: I've done a mixture of swing, dance captaining and associate choreographer on ensemble, 1st cover, and 2nd cover. This is the 1st time in the West End that I've got my own parts, my own principal role that has solos and my own scenes. I get to sink my teeth into it, and it's something that I've been working towards for a while; I've been working really hard for this moment.
Q: Tell us about your character?
A: I wrote about my character at the beginning of rehearsals; this was a task that we were given by our incredible creators, who were phenomenal. Then, after a week of shows, once I'd kind of like settled into it, I revisited it because I like to update it as we go along. So my character, Fraulein Kost's story is one of survival and sheer grit. She has worked at the club for the longest time of everyone there. She's got her recipe down, and she's not leaving any time soon. She's got this magnetic, alluring pull that keeps her clients coming back, and a savvy, tough grit that peeks through her hustle outside of the club. Life in Berlin during this time is extremely hard and chaotic, and it's a constant battle to survive. I think the Kost is a mirror to the struggle. Her visceral reactions are an important reflection of the day's society.
This shows a timeless reminder of human flaws and fear, and what they make us capable of. In the same breath, it reminds us of how exceptionally beautiful and powerful we can be in our flaws, and if we put love first. So, that's where I'm at with her just now.
Q: How have you put your own personal stamp on the character, and what challenges have you faced?
A: I wanted to make her real, especially right now, as relatable to human nature as possible. I see her as this tortured soul, and we are all a tortured soul in some way, aren't we? We've all gone through heartbreak. We've all gone through those things. She's got this tough outer shell. I want the audience to see all sides of her and that there is still a glimmer of hope for her. She still wants that happily ever after, let's put it that way for now, because it's the simplest way of saying it.
Q: What is your favourite moment in the show?
A: The scene after 'Two Ladies'. I don't want to give too much away, but it's actually so layered. It's not just a comedic part of the show. There's so much more depth to it. But because of the depth, it makes it even funnier. I love playing opposite Ruthie Henshall; we find different things every night, it's never the same. The meaning and the truth of this scene are always the same from both of our sides. That's why this scene is one of my favourites because it's layered; it's got depth, but on a surface level it's very fun to perform.
Q: What is your favourite prop in the show?
A: It's got to be my plunger. Or my sleeves from my costume. It's not a prop, but I'm just so obsessed with them. I'm obsessed with my sleeves!
Q: What is your favourite song in the show and why?
A: 'Willkommen ' I love how it changes, and it's got dark humour to it, but it's so celebratory! It's so alive and palpable, and it draws everybody in. There's something so unbelievably powerful about it when everyone is singing that final chorus, and there's that drum, that beat, that is like a heartbeat of Berlin, and it's just welcoming everyone, challenging everyone to put down your walls, and to just immerse yourself in the show.
Q: What can audiences expect from the new cast members?
A: I think audiences can expect a brand new, fresh energy from everyone, but also I have to say the remaining cast, they're just exceptional and that energy is always fresh. Every time that someone else comes in, everyone is so adaptable, supportive, welcoming, and so willing to adapt, change and alter to find something new every time. So it never, it never feels still. Everyone naturally will have their own take on things. Even if you've seen the show before, you're coming to see a different show. When covers are on, oh my god, they're phenomenal! They really are. Never EVER think that you're gonna get a 2nd rate show. Everyone is exquisite in what they do. You're getting a new flavour on something that is always gonna be excellent.
Q: If you could play another character for the night, who would it be?
A: Sally Bowles for me! We call the stage Dr Stage because it's like therapy sometimes! I would love to allow myself to let all of those unhinged moments come out. I'm already quite exuberant; I would love the challenge of getting all of those layers and then putting my own little spin on the role. I'd love to see what would occur, because honestly, you don't quite know until you do it. That would be a lot of fun!!
Q: What do you think is the most important message of the show and why?
A: I think the most important message of the show is love. Human flaws and fear can cloud and conquer, and overtake love. Love is what we all have to lead with every single day of our lives. I think this show reminds us what happens when we stop letting love lead.
Q: Why should people come see the show in one sentence?
A: It's going to challenge you to immerse yourself in a whole new world and release all inhibitions; just be present and ready to accept what comes to you!
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