Musical · West End
Cabaret
A revival of the musical set in Berlin in 1930, in which the Playhouse Theatre is transformed into the Kit Kat Club. The story follows Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw in a city alive with music and desire, while an ominous shadow grows at its edges.
Music is by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and the book by Joe Masteroff, based on a play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. Rebecca Frecknall directs, with design by Tom Scutt and choreography by Julia Cheng. The cast includes Skylar Astin as the Emcee (until 12 December), Sarah Hyland as Sally Bowles (until 23 January), Baker Mukasa as Cliff and Ruthie Henshall as Fräulein Schneider. Running time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes including an interval.
Buying advice
How to book
Cabaret sells strongly and is booking to January 2027. Timing matters more than usual: Wednesday matinees are super off-peak and the cheapest way to see it, Thursday to Saturday evenings are peak, and everything else, including Saturday matinees, is off-peak. The leads change regularly and cast members take days off, so check the tickets section of the official website before you book.
Ways to pay less
Patience pays midweek and planning pays at the weekend. For a Friday or Saturday, book early: the cheap seats go first. Tuesday to Thursday is a different show: TKTS has had it almost every day lately at around 31% off, which beats anything you can book in advance, so if you don't need to choose your seat, wait. The early-bird rate, saving £10 per ticket if you book at least six weeks ahead, is the one way to get a cheap seat you have actually picked. An off-peak date is about 7% cheaper for the same mid-range seat. If you're happy to gamble, the weekly lottery at £30 is another way in, though a seat is not guaranteed. Groups of 10 or more pay less, from £75 a head.
Deals5
Best deals across LondonEvery current deal we track for Cabaret, checked daily. Last checked 23 October.
Up to 27% off the Sat 24 Oct matinee through TKTS, in the Dress Circle and Stalls.
Weekly lottery tickets available via the TodayTix app. Maximum 2 entries for a chance to claim £30 tickets for any performance the following week. Entries for each draw open at 12.01 am on Monday and closes at 1 pm Wednesday. Winners drawn between 1 and 5 pm on Wednesday, and you will have 30 minutes to claim. You can increase your chances by posting on social media when asked. You can get an extra entry for posting on Facebook and Instagram when asked. so posting on both will get you 3 entries!
- Early Bird
Save £10 per tickets if booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Ensure the click the Book Now button next to 'PERFORMANCES OVER SIX WEEKS IN ADVANCE'
- Group
Groups of 10 or more can get Price Band A and B tickets in the Dress Circle for £75 each. Valid Mon-Thu eves and Wed matinees. Book by emailing help@groupline.com or calling 020 7206 1174.
School groups of 10+ pay £29.50 for price bands A and B in the Dress Circle, with one free teacher per 10 paid, on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Wednesday matinees. Rates subject to change and availability.
Pricing
+7% peak surcharge (mid-range seats)Peak
Weekends & holidays| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £390 | £250 |
| Mid-range | £220 | £125 |
| Budget | £100 | £40 |
Off-peak
Mid-week| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £290 | £235 |
| Mid-range | £205 | £125 |
| Budget | £95 | £31 |
Prices are taken from the show's official website and are a guide only — they change without notice.
Where to sit
This is an immersive production, so where you sit changes the evening. Table seats beside the stage come with the option of a pre-ordered meal, afternoon tea at matinees, or a cocktail and snack package. The two boxes either side of the stage are for groups of four, with a three-course meal and half a bottle of Moet. The Dress Circle has great views and a clearer look at the musicians. Seats run from £31 to £390. Arrive before the doors open: there's pre-show entertainment and a strict no-photos policy.
The Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club)'s own seating guide, level by level, is below.
Critics
What the critics said
Reviews from the 2021 opening at Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club)
9 reviews, 8 with star ratings
The Guardian
Arifa Akbar · Read the review at The GuardianThe Times
Clive Davis · Read the review at The TimesThe Telegraph
Dominic Cavendish · Read the review at The TelegraphEvening Standard
Nick Curtis · Read the review at Evening Standard“Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley dazzle in a transformative show”
The Independent
Alexandra Pollard · Read the review at The Independent“Surely the most powerful moment – and perhaps the best musical-theatre performance I have ever seen live – is Buckley's rendition of the title song.”
The Stage
Tim Bano · Read the review at The Stage“Every decision she makes here has clear, clever purpose.”
WhatsOnStage
Sarah Crompton · Read the review at WhatsOnStage“Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley lead shattering West End revival”
London Theatre
Suzy Evans · Read the review at London Theatre“Come to the cabaret with Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley”
Also reviewed by British Theatre Guide
Quotes are brief extracts, each with a link to the full review. Star ratings are the outlets’ own; we never work one out from a review’s words. If you publish one of these reviews and would like it removed, email us and we will take it down promptly.
Thinking of going with a group?
There’s a group rate for this show (see the group deal). Register your interest and we’ll try to organise a trip at that rate once enough people are in.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Playhouse Theatre (Kit Kat Club), for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- The Z Hotel Covent Gardenabout 10 min walk
- Strand Palaceabout 10 min walk
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circusabout 15 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
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