Stars Struggle with New Cabaret Version

The West End revival of the musical classic *Cabaret*, directed by Rebecca Frecknall, has captivated audiences since its November 2021 debut, earning multiple Olivier Awards for its lead performers, Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley. However, the role of Sally Bowles has proven to be a daunting challenge for those who have taken it on, with several actresses expressing their struggles with the intense demands of the character. Aimee Lou Wood, who portrayed Sally Bowles a year ago, recently shared her fears about returning to the stage. In an interview with the Radio Times, the 29-year-old described the role as transformative yet nearly overwhelming, stating, "It almost killed me." Wood recounted how she would mentally prepare herself each night, often thinking, "This is the worst idea ever," highlighting the emotional toll the character took on her. Cara Delevingne, who followed Wood in the role, echoed similar sentiments, revealing the extreme emotional and physical challenges she faced. In a conversation with Grazia, Delevingne noted the exhaustion that followed each performance, saying, "Underneath all the adrenaline is exhaustion," indicating the need for a significant wind-down after each show. The pressures of the role have led some actresses, like Billie Piper, to decline the opportunity to play Sally Bowles. Piper admitted that while the character is a dream role, the rigorous demands of musical theatre deterred her, emphasizing the need for constant self-care and vocal management. The experiences of these performers underscore the intense commitment required to bring *Cabaret* to life on stage.