Curve Theatre, Leicester – until Saturday 25 April 2026
5*****
A truly arresting and unforgettable production, Kiss of the Spider Woman at Leicester Curve is as gripping as it is visually stunning. Set within the claustrophobic confines of a jail in Argentina, the story explores gritty and dark themes with remarkable sensitivity and power. The unlikely bond between flamboyant dreamer Molina and hardened revolutionary Valentin unfolds with emotional depth, as the two men share both a cell and their contrasting worldviews.
Fabian Soto Pacheco delivers a captivating Molina, full of warmth, vulnerability, and theatrical flair, while George Blagden brings a compelling intensity to Valentin. Their chemistry anchors the piece beautifully. Meanwhile, Anna-Jane Casey is utterly mesmerising as Aurora, the glamorous star of Molina’s beloved film fantasies, each one a vivid escape from reality. Her performance is magnetic, particularly in the moments when she embodies the chilling Spider Woman, a role Molina fears despite his devotion to her cinematic world.
The design is nothing short of spectacular. Gabriella Slade’s magnificent outfits are a constant visual delight, especially Aurora’s ever-changing looks, complete with perfectly coordinated wigs and lipsticks. The Spider Woman’s striking appearance is further elevated by the exceptional work of Wig Designer Sam Cox and Make-up Designer Jackie Saundercock, creating an image that is both alluring and unsettling.
The intimate setting of the Curve Studio draws the audience right into the heart of the action, making every moment feel immediate and personal. One of the most breathtaking sequences sees Casey quite literally climbing the scenery in her Spider Woman guise—an unforgettable visual that perfectly captures the show’s haunting tone.
Musically, the live band led by Dan Glover provides a rich, atmospheric score that enhances the emotional weight of the narrative. Kander and Ebb’s music underscores the tension, longing, and fleeting escapism that define the characters’ lives.
This is not a musical of jazz hands and easy resolutions – it’s a bold, adult piece with a deeply moving, and undeniably sad, conclusion. Powerful, provocative, and exquisitely staged, it’s theatre that lingers long after the final note.