CABARET IN THE HOUSE to Mar 25.

CABARET IN THE HOUSE.

Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park London. N6 5HG.
Sundays 4:30pm until the 25th March.
Runs 1hr 45 mins One interval.

TICKETS: 0208 348 8716.
Review: Geoff Ambler 11 February.

Just what Sundays needed.
What is there for a musical theatre fan on a Sunday afternoon? Other than a stroll in the park with George and a few very average musicals I am normally left hoping for those occasional and very wonderful special events. Last week there was the Follies Concert at the Palladium and this week and for the next six weeks there is the sixth annual series of Lauderdale Cabarets in Highgate. Nearest tube Archway and a long, steep hill in between.

This opening cabaret would be a special event. One of the finest musical theatre performers in the West End would be mixing some songs from her new album with a selection of her own favourites and as the performer is the fantastically cool, hilariously funny, stunningly stunning and melodiously and vocally adroit Julie Atherton, it was going to be one of those very special afternoons money can’t buy. Although today it was £13 (£11 concessions).

The venue is upstairs in what looks like a church hall but isn’t. The presence of a craft fair (fayre) downstairs just made the whole event feel all the more eclectic and the random selection of dining room and school chairs in the hall seems in keeping. Although this didn’t affect the turnout, with standing room only available by the time the opening cabaretist appeared.

The unenviable task of opening for Ms Atherton fell to Philip Lee, performing his first cabaret although I never would have guessed had he not mentioned it. He was natural, confident, funny and full of songs I knew and songs I now want to know better. Recently in the role of Vincent Van Gogh Philip lived up to his promise of delivering songs with a story. Definitely a talent to look out for in future.

Julie arrived after an interval filled with healthy orange or cranberry juice and a dearth of the ice cream in small tubs I crave. Currently and brilliantly playing the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q at the Noel Coward Theatre, Julie has proven what an adaptable artist she is and is a significant part of the team that make the show one of the must see events in the West End. For me the show is eminently re-watchable and it should be top of every ones list of shows to see this year – as long as you have a good sense of humour that is.

Julie’s mix of songs, delivered with her distinctive vocal style, were as always complimented with her unerring comic timing and just a little of the amazing actress that she is. Opening her eight song set with “Climbing Uphill” from The Last Five Years Julie leapt into life with this humorous number delivered at pace about the trial that is the actors audition. “Be Careful” from her album is a more soulful and emotional Charles Miller number which was followed with “Will You Still Love Me” – her (successful) audition number for Mamma Mia. For the duet “Someone Find Me” we were introduced to Rod from Avenue Q who seemed a little stage struck in the presence of Julie but it was a performance I’ll never forget from the pair of them.

Closing with the title track from her album “A Girl of Few Words” Julie left the audience with another of the afternoon’s exuberant highlights. There are few musical actresses in the West End who display such energy, passion and an abundance of talent every time I have seen her perform. This afternoon was no different.

Julie Atherton's debut album, written by Charles Miller, has been an ipod favourite since it was released and is a polished, lively collection filled with poignancy, energy, real life and Julie’s own brilliant style which, on a Sunday afternoon in Highgate, I felt blessed with and couldn’t get enough of.

Hosted by Valerie Cutko.

11 Feb
Julie Atherton
Philip Lee

18 Feb
Myra Sands
Andrea Miller

25 Feb
Helena Blackman
The Dick Pickering Cabaret Hour by Rich Hough

4 Mar
Liza Sadovy
Walter Van Dyk

11 Mar
Idle Vices

25 Mar
Katie Rowley Jones and Friends

2007-02-13 08:13:37