Kiss Me Kate the musical

Kiss Me, Kate, Tickets Now Available!

Barbican Theatre, London
4 June 2024 – 14 September 2024

Get ready for an unforgettable theatrical experience as “Kiss Me, Kate,” Cole Porter’s timeless Broadway comedy classic, graces the stage of London’s esteemed Barbican Theatre for the Summer of 2024.

Kiss Me Kate Adrian Dunbar

From the acclaimed producers of Anything Goes, this lavish revival boasts a star-studded cast featuring multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar (Line of Duty) and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (Into The Woods, 9 to 5), making her West End debut as Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, under the direction of multi-Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (The King & I, My Fair Lady).

Joining them are Charlie Stemp (Mary Poppins, Crazy For You) as Bill Calhoun, Georgina Onuorah (Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz) as Lois Lane, Peter Davison (Doctor Who) as The General, and the uproarious duo Nigel Lindsay and Hammed Animashaun as the gangsters.

Kiss Me Kate West End About the Show:

Featuring a cast of 50 and a full orchestra, Cole Porter’s witty, jazz-inflected score is packed with hit after hit, including memorable numbers like Too Darn Hot, Op’nin’ Another Show, So In Love, and Brush Up Your Shakespeare.

Kiss Me Kate the musical, Plot Synopsis:

“Kiss Me, Kate” transports audiences into the world of theatre actors Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham, who find themselves entangled in a whirlwind of conflict both on and off-stage as they star in a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. With chaos ensuing and unlikely alliances forming, this musical comedy promises an evening of laughter and entertainment for all.

Performance Details:

• Dates: 4 June 2024 – 14 September 2024
• Age Restrictions: 10+
• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes (including interval)
• Performance Days: Evenings (Monday-Saturday), Matinees (Thursday, Saturday)

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of “Kiss Me, Kate” at the Barbican Theatre this summer. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of theatre!

Venue Information:

Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Nearest Tube/Train: Barbican (Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City)
Nearest Buses: Beech Street – 76, 153; City Road – 21, 43, 141, 205, 214, 271

The Enchanting Love Story of ‘Kiss Me Kate’: Exploring the Timeless Delight of This Iconic Musical

Step into the dazzling world of musical theatre as we unveil the enchanting love story of ‘Kiss Me, Kate’. With its captivating blend of romance, humour, and toe-tapping melodies, this iconic musical has stood the test of time and continues to delight audiences worldwide.

From its Broadway debut in 1948 to numerous revivals and adaptations, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ has become a timeless classic. Set against the backdrop of a theater production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, the musical tells the story of the turbulent relationship between former married couple Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi.

As the sparks fly on and off the stage, the audience is treated to a whirlwind of witty dialogue, show-stopping musical numbers, and unforgettable characters.

Every aspect of ‘Kiss Me Kate’ exudes the magic of the golden age of musicals. The unforgettable score by Cole Porter, the dazzling choreography, and the larger-than-life performances make for a memorable experience that will captivate both theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Join us as we delve into the timeless delight of ‘Kiss Me Kate’, a musical that continues to enchant and enthral audiences with its enduring love story and irresistible charm.

The history of ‘Kiss Me Kate

‘Kiss Me Kate’ made its Broadway debut in 1948 and quickly became a sensation. The musical was inspired by William Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and brought to life by the talented duo of composer and lyricist Cole Porter and writer Samuel and Bella Spewack. The Spewacks’ clever script and Porter’s unforgettable score combined to create a show that would leave a lasting impact on the world of musical theatre.

Set against the backdrop of a theater production of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ tells the story of Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, a former married couple who find themselves cast as the lead roles in the play.

As the performances unfold, their own turbulent relationship mirrors the themes of the Shakespearean play, resulting in a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and drama.

Plot summary of ‘Kiss Me Kate

The musical opens with a backstage scene at Ford’s Theatre, where Fred Graham, the show’s producer and leading man, is preparing for the opening night of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’.

He is thrilled to have his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi, playing the female lead, Katherine. However, tensions rise as their personal conflicts spill onto the stage, making for an explosive rehearsal process.

As the play progresses, we witness the hilarious antics of the secondary characters, including Lois Lane, who plays Bianca, and her boyfriend, Bill Calhoun, who plays Lucentio. Their on-again, off-again relationship provides comic relief and brings an additional layer of complexity to the story. Amidst the chaos, Fred realizes that he is still in love with Lilli, and she also begins to question her feelings.

The climax of the musical occurs during a performance of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, where the tension between Fred and Lilli reaches its peak. However, true to the spirit of the theatre, all conflicts are resolved by the final curtain, leading to a joyous and heartwarming conclusion.

The iconic songs and music of ‘Kiss Me Kate

One of the defining features of ‘Kiss Me Kate’ is its unforgettable score, composed by the legendary Cole Porter. The musical features a range of toe-tapping melodies and cleverly crafted lyrics that perfectly capture the essence of the characters and the story. From the energetic opening number “Another Op’nin’, Another Show” to the show-stopping “Too Darn Hot” and the heartfelt “So in Love,” each song adds depth and emotion to the narrative.

Porter’s music seamlessly blends jazz, swing, and traditional musical theatre elements, creating a unique and timeless sound. His ability to infuse each song with wit and charm is evident throughout the score. These iconic songs have become beloved classics in their own right, and their popularity has helped to solidify ‘Kiss Me Kate’ as a musical that continues to be cherished by audiences today.

The enduring appeal of ‘Kiss Me Kate

What has allowed ‘Kiss Me Kate’ to endure for over seven decades? The answer lies in its timeless themes and universal appeal. At its core, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ is a story about love, forgiveness, and the complexities of relationships.

These themes resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making the musical relatable and relevant today.

In addition to its compelling story, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ also boasts a cast of memorable characters. From the fiery and independent Lilli Vanessi to the charming and charismatic Fred Graham, each character is multi-dimensional and captivating in their own way. The audience becomes invested in their journey, rooting for their love to triumph over their differences.

The impact of ‘Kiss Me Kate’ on Broadway and popular culture
Since its debut on Broadway, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ has had a lasting impact on musical theatre. The musical’s success paved the way for future productions, blending classic literature with modern sensibilities. It also helped to solidify Cole Porter’s reputation as one of the greatest composers of his time.

‘Kiss Me Kate’ has been revived numerous times on Broadway, with each production bringing its own unique interpretation to the story. These revivals have introduced the musical to new generations of theatregoers, ensuring its continued relevance in popular culture. The influence of ‘Kiss Me Kate’ can also be seen in the countless adaptations and references in film, television, and even other stage productions.

Behind the scenes: the making of ‘Kiss Me Kate

The journey from concept to opening night was not without its challenges. The creative team faced obstacles in adapting ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ into a musical and in finding the perfect cast to bring their vision to life. However, their perseverance and passion ultimately resulted in a production that would change the landscape of musical theatre forever.

Bringing ‘Kiss Me Kate’ to the stage involved collaboration between a team of talented individuals, including directors, choreographers, set designers, and costume designers. Each aspect of the production was carefully crafted to transport audiences into the glamorous world of 1940s theatre.

Notable productions and performances of ‘Kiss Me Kate

Over the years, several notable productions and performances of ‘Kiss Me Kate’ have left a lasting impact on audiences. One such production was the 1999 Broadway revival, which starred Brian Stokes Mitchell as Fred Graham and Marin Mazz.

Kiss Me Kate Adrian Dunbar

From the acclaimed producers of Anything Goes, this lavish revival boasts a star-studded cast featuring multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar (Line of Duty) and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (Into The Woods, 9 to 5), making her West End debut as Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, under the direction of multi-Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (The King & I, My Fair Lady).

Joining them are Charlie Stemp (Mary Poppins, Crazy For You) as Bill Calhoun, Georgina Onuorah (Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz) as Lois Lane, Peter Davison (Doctor Who) as The General, and the uproarious duo Nigel Lindsay and Hammed Animashaun as the gangsters.