Kiss Me, Kate

GCLT’s production of Kiss Me, Kate blends culture, class and Cole Porter’s memorable score into a great theatrical experience.

In this fresh approach, the director has assembled a talented cast and a basic, workable set complete with Shakespearian costumes in a predominately Black and White theme to convey the off-stage/on-stage battles of the previously married leading lady and leading man with hilarious results.

As the volatile Lilli Vanessi/Katherine, Naomi Mole gives a strong performance while as her ex, Fred Graham/Petruchio, Simon Stone is masterful and commanding. Tess Burke, as the man- chasing blonde bombshell Lois Lane/Bianca is a delight and is the perfect foil for Jack Harbour’s gambling Bill Calhoun/Lucentio. The supporting cast all have their opportunity to shine and the novel use of several different choreographers brought out the best in each of the ensemble routines.   

Alongside Director Andrew Cockcroft-Penman, the production team included Caroline Taylor as Musical Director and numerous Choreographers including Tess Burke (who also doubled as Dance Captain).

Kiss Me, Kate is currently being staged in London and Tokyo, followed by a Japanese tour and soon for Germany (September) and then Italy (December) and it will be having (another) Broadway revival opening in February 2019.

Bring back more of these fabulous shows!

Wunderbar!

Roger McKenzie

Photo: Vargo Studios