Kiss Me, Kate Review (Barbican Centre, London)

18 July 2024 I 14:30 I Barbican Centre, London

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kiss Me, Kate is my favourite of the golden age musicals, where perhaps there could be bias towards my enjoyment. However, there is also a high level of what I expect from Bartlett Sher's adaptation at the Barbican Centre. It is needless to say that Sher's revival of Cole Porter's scorcher is enchanting, honouring the absurdity of the material yet discovering the vulnerability of love. An insightful direction that reaches a unique, unconventional staging for the current West End.

This production follows a theatre company staging a musical version of The Taming Of The Shrew, an ultimate battle of the sexes where interpersonal relationships threaten disaster. Ex-lovers Lilli and Fred can't stand each other, but their history holds the glue to success. With inspiration from Shakespeare's writing, often billed as sexist, these themes are reinvented through Kiss Me, Kate, the women proving triumphant and endlessly loveable.

I absolutely adore the soundtrack to Porter's musical, though a very rarely featured song is introduced to the Barbican's staging, titled We Sing Of Love. Even for fans of the musical, there are new surprises and alterations to the orchestrations that we are introduced to, keeping audiences on their toes! Led by Stephen Ridley's musical supervision, the score is beautifully rendered, holding classic and graceful charm.

Stunning as the titular Kate/Lilli, this is Stephanie J. Block's world, and we are all living in it! I really admire how she honours the past performances of the role, yet develops a character wholly personal and motivated. Block's Broadway legacy is unmissable, showcasing supreme vocal power. The way she is able to sing through the comedy grants her the perfect actress to take on the role. Her presence alone is magnetic across the stage, but most importantly, Block allows us to empathise with Kate, to highlight her vulnerability. If you aren't on your way to witness one of the greatest international musical theatre performers, get those tickets booked!

I have to commend Adrian Dunbar (Petruchio/Fred) on the other end of the spectrum, making his musical debut among such theatrical giants. His confidence during solo numbers is reduced within such a large auditorium. However, his script work is delivered with enthusiasm and wit. Alongside Peter Davison's General, the pair bring Sam and Bella Spewack's book to farcical fruition, a great response from audiences.

Charlie Stemp and Georgina Onuorah's relationship through roles Bill and Lois are splendid in old-school allure, a semblance akin to Tommy Rall and Ann Miller's performance in the 1954 film. Tom, Dick or Harry is a dancing dream, showcasing one of many highlights for Anthony van Laast's choreographic brilliance.

These showstopping sequences continue through Too Darn Hot, opening Act Two with insatiable energy. Led by Jack Butterworth, you simply can't take your eyes off his swagger, the entire ensemble unforgettable in a sexy, steamy and punchy staging. Following the interval, Michael Yeargan's set has the opportunity to show off in an expansive revolving motion. It is spellbinding to see every single inch of the theatre, from the backstage brickwork to the mishaps that bleed through onto the 'stage'.

The morning before the show, we had the pleasure of attending the Barbican Centre tour, led by our incredible tour guide Amanda. To see behind the scenes, and even go onto the stage and feel the performing fantasy of Kiss Me, Kate, we could feel the star power that exudes from the space, the atmosphere so graciously dominating across the venue.

It would be impossible not to fall in love with Hammed Animashaun and Nigel Lindsay's Gangsters, oblivious and whimsical roles that know exactly how to entice an audience. We are even encouraged to get involved during Brush Up Your Shakespeare, a wonderful immersion into the chaos, and an engaging way to introduce younger audiences to the musical. To top it all off, Catherine Zuber's costumes are coming out of the ears, glamour after glamour, most enjoyable as we see The Taming Of The Shrew's performative cover-up evolves.

I am phenomenally happy that Sher's Kiss Me, Kate met my expectations, ever exceeding them in a dreamy, blazing revival. Cole Porter's wacky and wonderful creation will forever sit in my favourites of musical theatre. If you are new to the show, then get ready to fall So In Love with the romantic comedy for the ages!