Get ready for a side-splitting dose of summer escapism with the delightful revival of Kiss Me, Kate in London, at the Barbican Theatre! This play-within-a-play takes on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, but the real drama unfolds backstage where a passionate romance reignites between feuding exes, played by the brilliant Stephanie J. Block and a surprisingly funny Adrian Dunbar (yes, that Superintendent Hastings!). It's a whirlwind of backstage drama, mistaken identities, and showstopping musical numbers
A revival which is a summer theatrical delight
The show follows the chaotic rehearsals of a musical adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. Block is the fiery Lilli, both on and off stage as Kate, while Dunbar tackles the role of Fred, her director and ex-husband, channeling Petruchio. As the actors recreate Shakespeare's battle of the sexes, their own real-life sparks fly behind the scenes, leading to hilarious bickering and undeniable chemistry.
The production is a visual feast. Catherine Zuber's costumes are a riot of color and Elizabethan whimsy, with puffed sleeves, low-cut bodices, and enough ruffs to fill a pirate ship. Michael Yeargan's revolving set cleverly transitions between the grand stage and the cramped dressing rooms, keeping the action flowing and adding to the farcical atmosphere.
But the true stars of the show are the music and the performances. Cole Porter's timeless score features iconic numbers like "So In Love" and "Too Darn Hot", delivered with gusto by the talented cast. Block is a powerhouse, belting out these classics with impressive control and emotional depth. Dunbar, while vocally not the strongest, holds his own and brings a deadpan humor to his role that perfectly complements Block's fiery energy.
The supporting cast is just as impressive. Charlie Stemp and Georgina Onuorah shine as the other couple, Bill and Lois, while Nigel Lindsay and Hammed Animashaun steal the show as a pair of bumbling gangsters with a hilarious penchant for Shakespearean puns. While the show features some of Porter's lesser-known songs, the overall production is so energetic and witty that even these moments become part of the fun. The sheer absurdity of it all, from the over-the-top costumes to the backstage antics, creates a contagious sense of merriment.
Kiss Me, Kate is a joyful mess – It may not be perfect, but it's a guaranteed recipe for an evening of laughter and toe-tapping entertainment. So, grab your best Elizabethan garb (or not), and get ready to be transported to a world of sparkling costumes, witty wordplay, and pure theatrical delight!
Kiss Me, Kate London review | What the critics think
"This play-within-a-play take on The Taming of the Shrew at the Barbican is admirably witty, and the Line of Duty star exhibits a comic touch".
— Clive Davis, The Times
"Sher, who is no stranger to tricky revivals, handles this not through wholesale change, but through small, telling shifts and a crisp, ironic take on storyline and characters."
— Sarah Hemming, The Financial Times
"‘Line of Duty’ star Adrian Dunbar teams up with Broadway legend Stephanie J Block for another perfectly pitched Cole Porter revival at the Barbican."
— Tim Bano, The Independent
How to buy Kiss Me, Kate tickets in London?
Looking for budget-friendly tickets for Kiss Me, Kate in London? Book your tickets online! Enjoy last-minute availability, choose your seats using the Barbican Theatre seating plan, and skip the queues by booking at your convenience.
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