Life is a cabaret, ol’ chum! John Partridge talks ahead of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre role
He’s lived his life in full view of the spotlight.
Actor John Partridge became a household name when he starred as Christian Clarke in the hit BBC soap EastEnders.
He starred in the official film production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats and has enjoyed hit runs in major musicals, from Chicago to his latest project, Cabaret.
Not that life has been a bed of roses. The kid who initially trained in ballet at the Royal Ballet Lower School, who went on to work with a host of big name rock stars like U2, Pet Shop Boys, Kim Wilde, Neneh Cherry, Pete Townshend and Mica Paris before presenting the National Lottery, lost four stone when his mother succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease.
He took a gig on Celebrity Big Brother to pay for her care.
Partridge successfully battled testicular cancer in the 2000s before winning an even bigger battle against the demon drink in more recent years. His has been a whirlwind life, a roller-coaster ride through numerous highs and lows.
The ever-present has been work. He was fascinated by performance as a child and has continually challenged himself to improve. From September 3 to 7 he’ll return to Wolverhampton, a city he loves, when he stars as Emcee in Bill Kenwright’s multi award-winning production of Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical, Cabaret.
Directed by National Theatre Director Rufus Norris, the production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs at The Lyric and The Savoy theatres.
Cabaret features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and iconic songs Money Makes the World Go Round, Maybe This Time, Cabaret and more. The piece is set in 1931 in Berlin, a city that is a haven of divine decadence and the infamous Kit Kat Klub.
Partridge actively petitioned for the role. It was one of a small number featuring on his bucket list.
“I’ve worked for Bill Kenwright for a while now and done three or four productions with him.
"I knew that Cabaret was going on the road this year and threw my hat into the ring and said I wanted to play it.
"I’m very lucky that Bill Kenwright said it was mine. I actively petitioned for it.
"There aren’t many roles that I’ve wanted to play as an actor but Emcee is one that I’ve always wanted to do. Timing is everything in this business. It was right place, right time.
"I saw this production when it first opened in the West End and it’s a wonderful piece.”
Though Partridge is the big name in the latest production, he’s quick to share the credit with other crew and cast.
The production is very much a team effort, with remarkable creative workers designing a memorable set and stunning costumes as part of a multi-million pound show.
Cabaret also features Kara Lily Hayworth as the iconic Sally Bowles, following her spectacular performance in the title role of Cilla The Musical which was revered by both critics and audiences alike.
They are joined by Anita Harris, who first rose to fame as a singer in the 1960s and has appeared both on screen (Follow That Camel and Carry on Doctor) and on stage, most notably as Grizabella in the West End’s Cats.
“I love the collaboration that comes with being part of a company," he said.
"When you work on a major musical like this, it’s very much about the collaboration and about what everybody else brings.
"There are many pieces in this puzzle and it takes many people to create a production.
"We are blessed in this company that it is packed full of wonderful actors who contribute to telling this story.
"There are also brilliant crew; it really is a stand-out effort from all involved.”
Partridge is thrilled, too, that the venerable Bill Kenwright has been actively involved in the production. At 73-years-young, the theatrical impresario remains as passion and committed to the theatre as ever.
“Bill never ceases to amaze me. His passion for producing, creating and discovering new talent is second to none. I admire him enormously and he’s a friend and mentor.”
