🎭 Kiss Me, Kate
📍Barbican Theatre
🎟️ AD – Gifted
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kiss Me, Kate returns to London with a dazzling revival by Bartlett Sher. The 1948 musical by Bella and Samuel Spewack, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, remains a theatrical classic! The story revolves around the production of a musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and the off-stage romantic conflicts and entanglements among the cast.
With laugh-out-loud moments, chaotic backstage antics, powerful vocals, and spectacular choreography, Kiss Me, Kate could be the show of the season!
The musical comedy follows a divorced couple, Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham, as they attempt to perform a musical version of a Shakespeare classic. The ex-spouses star as Petruchio and Katherine and their tumultuous relationship is mirrored in their performances. Along with the romantic entanglements, there’s also a mishap with gambling debts and gangsters, further adding to the comedic chaos. Stephanie J. Block makes her London debut in the lead role, as glamourous Hollywood star, Lili Vannessi. Lilli is confident, witty and has a fiery temperament – much like the character she portrays in The Taming of the Shrew. Stephanie J Block was outstanding in this role, showcasing her award-winning talent and the most gorgeous vocals. I especially loved when she sang ‘I Hate Men’, with such ferocity! While the titular track, ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ showed off Block’s impressive operatic range.
Adrian Dunbar stars as Fred Graham, the director of the show, playing the character with endless charm and charisma. Like Lilli, Fred is witty and exudes confidence that borders on arrogance. Dunbar and Block had great chemistry and comedic timing, providing the audience with plenty of laughter.
Michael Yeargan’s two-level stage features a revolving section, creating a clever and dynamic visual experience, revealing the split narrative between the on-stage and off-stage drama.
While there were many farcical moments throughout the show, Bartlett Sher’s direction felt slick and authentically funny. The scene-stealing Gangster duo, played by Hammed Animashaun and Nigel Lindsay, had the audience in stitches with their catchy performance about the Bard in ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare!’ The well-deserved round of applause they received was a highlight of the evening.
Jack Butterworth as Paul, led the sizzling opening in Act 2 with the notable ‘Too Darn Hot’, accompanied by a talented ensemble. Choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, this spectacular jazz-style number was an iconic way to begin the second act. Vocal powerhouse and rising star, Georgina Onuorah, also stole the show with a lively, flirtatious rendition of ‘Always True to You in My Fashion.’ Charlie Stemp, known for his signature moves, graced the stage with a mesmerising and joyful tap dance number during ‘Bianca’.
Kiss Me, Kate is oozing with energy from this brilliant cast, leaving the audience beaming with joy. The vibrant musical revival still features the hilarious comedy, the classic charm, romance and of course, those showstopping dance routines. All this combined makes the ultimate musical comedy – and a must-see this season!
Kiss Me, Kate plays at Barbican Theatre until 14 September 2024. You can book tickets for this show directly at London Box Office.
