Gossip

Life is a Cabaret for Scarlett Johnson???

| London's West End |

30 July 2009

Former EastEnders star Scarlett Johnson is rumoured to be in the running to take over from I’d Do Anything‘s Samantha Barks as Sally Bowles in the national touring production of Cabaret, which recommences at the Birmingham Rep in September (See News, 28 Jul 2008).

First seen on Broadway in 1966, Cabaret turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a divine haven of decadence, its morally ambiguous inhabitants determined to keep up appearances as the real world – outside the comfortable sanctuary of the cabaret – prepares for war.

Based on the stories of Christopher Isherwood and the play by John Van Druten, Cabaret has a book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. In 1972 it was adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles, Michael York as Cliff and Joel Grey as the Emcee.

Johnson is probably best known for her role as Vicki Fowler in EastEnders, but she has since returned to the stage; most recently playing Mindy alongside Jane Horrocks in the acclaimed Aunt Dan and Lemon at the Royal Court (See Review Round-up, 29 May 2009).