Kiss Me, Kate – Review

Kiss Me, Kate: Barbican, London

2nd September 2024

★★★★★

Cole Porter’s legendary musical comedy Kiss Me, Kate is currently playing to packed audiences at London’s Barbican. With an all star cast including multi-award-winner Adrian Dunbar and Tony Award-winning Broadway royalty Stephanie J. Block in her West End debut, Kiss Me, Kate tells the backstage story of putting on a musical version of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew including all the conflicts, romance and singing gangsters. It is a simple love story…about two people who just can’t stand each other. The production boasts a full-scale orchestra performing the Cole Porter classics such as ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Too Darn Hot’,’ and ‘Tom, Dick or Harry‘.

Bartlett Sher’s revival of this classic remains traditional with some subtle changes which improve the show, for example casting a more mature lead couple adds to the conviction and experience to the characters and Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block are both outstanding. This show marks Adrian Dunbar’s musical theatre debut at the age of 66 but you would never know it. His confident manner and lovely singing voice is perfect for character. Stephanie J. Block is hilarious as Lilli Vanessi and is able to soar into the high notes with ease. They both make a fantastic pair and the energy between them is palpable. Georgina Onuorah as Lois Lane, is glorious during the ‘Always True To You In My Fashion’ with strong vocals. It is Hammed Animashaun and Nigel Lindsay who steal the show during the second act as the hilarious ‘gangsters’ and their version of ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare‘ is a highlight of the show ending with rapturous applause and laughter.

Anthony Van Laast’s choreography is energetic and fun. Jack Butterworth and Charlie Stemp are both excellent during the high energy number ‘Too Darn Hot‘ and lead the ensemble brilliantly. All of the dance numbers are performed with precision and accuracy and the talented cast make the complex moves look easy. The choreography remains quite traditional with influences from jazz and feel perfectly fitting for the era.

The exquisite set by Michael Yeargan is not only visually impressive but it is so detailed and not to mention huge. The stage at the Barbican is massive and this revolving set fits centrally allowing for quick scene changes between the stage, dressing rooms and backstage. Lighting by Donald Holder further adds to the impact and it is during the big numbers such as ‘Too Darn Hot’ and ‘Always True To You In My Fashion’ where the lighting really comes alive. It is clear that no expense has been spared in this lavish revival and the costumes, by Catherine Zuber, are no exception.

Kiss Me, Kate is a feast for the eyes and is a fantastic revival of Cole Porter’s classic. It remains true to the original and whilst making it fresh and bringing it to a new audience. With showstopper numbers accompanied by a glorious full-scale orchestra, hilariously comic moments and a hugely talented cast this has to be one of the best revivals this year.

Kiss Me, Kate runs at the Barbican until the 14th September. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Johan Persson