HAVING seen the recent London revival on Cabaret, I knew roughly what to expect from the touring production.

It has a stark backdrop, for the classic Kander and Ebb musical set against the Nazi uprising in 1930s Berlin, featuring such songs as Cabaret, Mein Herr and Maybe This Time.

Making her professional debut was Samantha Barks, finalist in BBC’s search for a Nancy, I’d Do Anything. The 17-year-old really proved her finalist status and her talent as a leading lady - her performance was faultless.

But she really did not fit comfortably in the role to my eyes. Such a fresh looking girl singing of her despair in love and swigging gin she’s not actually old enough to buy did not work - but that’s the casting director’s failing, and in no way a reflection on Barks herself. The lack of maturity to her beautiful voice meant it did not have the depth needed to bring the full heartache of Sally Bowles’ predicament to the fore.

I do feel mean making these criticisms, and would look forward to the chance of seeing her reprise the role in 10 years time - and I’m sure Barks will still be performing then.

Wayne Sleep’s Emcee did not menace sufficiently for my liking, although colleague Stephanie Tye loved his performance likening him to the movie’s Joel Grey - although I did like the personalised take on If You Could See Her.

The surprise performance of the night came from “psycho Toby” as Henry Luxemburg would be known to any Hollyoaks fans, as Clifford Bradshaw.

Matt Zimmerman, as Herr Schultz, and Jenny Logan, as Fraulein Schneider, were charming, and Karl Moffatt’s Nazi campaigner Ernst Ludwig also impressed.

The ensemble of Kit Kat Klub performers kept the venue’s seedy atmosphere alight and Theo Cook’s rendition of the Nazi anthem Tomorrow Belongs To Me was superb.

Cabaret closes at the Bristol Hippodrome this evening, although tickets are available for both the 2.30pm and 7.30pm performances. Call 0117 302 3333. The show can be seen from October 27 until November 1 at the Theatre Royal, Bath. Visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk for details.