This is a clever show in more ways than one.

Firstly, the concept. A history lesson wrapped up in a Weimer Kabarett, Werner Finck’s Die Katakombe to be precise! As the show progresses images a flashed onto the set to inform us of the Nazi’s rise and what they did to strangle basic freedoms, including cabaret. Interlaced are songs highlighting the response of the cabaret performers to these ever growing restrictions. Very effective.

As mentioned, the audience is kept appraised by way of images some effectively shown on a sheer full stage curtain, with our intrepid cabaret singer spotlighted centre stage. Also very effective.

Johanne Hartstone, the writer and solo performer of this event, presents a very cohesive script and delivers songs in fine style, with rewritten lyrics, providing insight into the response of the German art community to these drastic changes in 1930’s society.

There is one aspect which this reviewer found hard to reconcile. Many of the songs came from a very different era, 60s, 70’s and 80’s. For example, the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black”, The Motels “Total Control” and Chris Isaaks’ “Wicked Game”. These, and others, were obviously chosen as a vehicle to paint the picture, the Stones song as the Nazi’s loved everything in black as an example. The tunes seemed out of context and one wonders if songs of the Weimer Kabarett could have been used instead.

That said, it is well worth seeing, especially when taking into account the amenity of the venue, overlooking the Botanic Rose Garden.

Michael Prescott