Barbican Theatre – until 14 September 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
Cole Porter’s classic comes to the Barbican with a cast to die for. Adrian Dunbar takes on the role of embattled actor/director Fred Graham while Broadway legend Stephanie J. Block plays his ex-wife, movie star Lilli Vanessi.
Having convinced Lilli to join his production of The Taming of the Shrew, the backstage relationships and shenanigans are as outrageous as one of Shakespeare’s comedies. Fred is enjoying the company of Lois Lane (Georgina Onuorah) – along with many other men, but she loves co-star Bill Calhoun (Charlie Stemp). Bill is a much better dancer than he is a gambler, so his fake IOU in Fred’s name leads to a pair of theatre-loving gangsters coming backstage to recoup their boss’ s losses.
The misogyny of Shakespeare’s play is laughed at, and thankfully the careless misogyny of golden age Hollywood is dispensed with in this production, meaning that the only person dealing out blows is Lilli, and her rendition of I Am Ashamed…, Katherine’s controversial acquiescing speech at the end of the play is sung sweetly and archly as she eyeballs Frank, confirming that she is happy following his direction onstage, but never off it. Block and Dunbar are a brilliant comedy duo, bouncing of each other with a light touch and perfect timing. Block is a superstar, with her ferocious rendition of I Hate Men an absolutely fabulous moment. Amongst such stellar vocals, Dunbar’s voice is obviously not as strong but he croons with gusto and charm. Speaking of stellar vocals, Georgina Onuorah’s Always True To You In My Fashion brings the house down. Hammed Animashaun and Nigel Lindsay are a hoot as the gangsters.
Michael Yeargan’s set revolves as the action switches between onstage and backstage and Bartlett Sher’s direction ensures an energetic and effervescent production. Anthony Van Laast’s choreography is lots of fun and the ensemble make the most of their comedy moments. Too Darn Hot is staged brilliantly, with Jack Butterworth leading the steamy dance before being joined by Charlie Stemp for a glorious dance off. Wunderbar.
Fantastic, old-fashioned fun – Kiss Me Kate is the perfect summer treat.