{"id":178229,"date":"2024-07-01T11:34:22","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T07:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/?p=178229"},"modified":"2024-07-02T19:39:45","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T15:39:45","slug":"kiss-me-kate-london-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/kiss-me-kate-london-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Kiss Me, Kate review | A hilarious backstage brawl with showstopping tunes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Get ready for a side-splitting dose of summer escapism with the delightful revival of Kiss Me, Kate in London, at the Barbican Theatre!<\/a> 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<\/b> and a surprisingly funny Adrian Dunbar<\/b> (yes, that Superintendent Hastings!). It’s a whirlwind of backstage drama, mistaken identities, and showstopping musical numbers<\/p>\n

A revival which is a summer theatrical delight<\/h2>\n

The show follows the chaotic rehearsals of a musical adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. Block<\/b> is the fiery Lilli, both on and off stage as Kate, while Dunbar<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n

The production is a visual feast. Catherine Zuber’s<\/b> 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<\/b> revolving set cleverly transitions between the grand stage and the cramped dressing rooms, keeping the action flowing and adding to the farcical atmosphere.<\/p>\n

But the true stars of the show are the music and the performances. Cole Porter’s<\/b> timeless score features iconic numbers like “So In Love”<\/b> and “Too Darn Hot”<\/b>, 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.<\/p>\n

The supporting cast is just as impressive. Charlie Stemp<\/b> and Georgina Onuorah<\/b> shine as the other couple, Bill and Lois, while Nigel Lindsay<\/b> and Hammed Animashaun<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n

Kiss Me, Kate is a joyful mess \u2013 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!<\/p>\n

Kiss Me, Kate London review | What the critics think<\/h2>\n

“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”. \u2014 Clive Davis, The Times<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

“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.” \u2014 Sarah Hemming, The Financial Times<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

“\u2018Line of Duty\u2019 star Adrian Dunbar teams up with Broadway legend Stephanie J Block for another perfectly pitched Cole Porter revival at the Barbican.” \u2014 Tim Bano, The Independent<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

How to buy Kiss Me, Kate tickets in London?<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>, and skip the queues by booking at your convenience.<\/p>\n

BUY KISS ME, KATE LONDON TICKETS<\/span><\/a>\"LondonLondon Theatre Guide <\/p>\n

Tried & Tested Hacks to Get Cheap West End Tickets in London<\/h2>\n

Want to watch London theatre without splurging on it? Our guide to getting cheap West End tickets has all that you need – best tickets, shows & more! <\/a><\/p>\n

Other Top Rated London Theatre Shows<\/h2>\n

More West End Guides<\/h2>\n

For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!<\/p>\n

\"CheapHow To Buy Cheap West End Tickets <\/a> \"BestBest West End Shows in London <\/a> \"WestA-Z London Theatre Seating Plans <\/a> \"WestEverything About West End London <\/a><\/p>\n

Be sure to check out our guide on the seating plan for West End theatres<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":169,"featured_media":178405,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2315,547],"tags":[6745,6994,6284,6999,7120],"yoast_head":"\nKiss Me, Kate London Review | London Theatre | Headout<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Kiss Me, Kate London review is out now! Experience this hilarious play-in-a-play take on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, at the Barbican Theatre. 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