Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions
in association with the Barbican
proudly presents
“COLE PORTER’S GREATEST MUSICAL COMEDY”
Playbill
“The ultimate Broadway musical from the golden age”
Financial Times
BARBICAN THEATRE
FROM 4 JUNE 2024
STRICTLY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT UNTIL 14 SEPTEMBER
TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW TO BARBICAN MEMBERS
PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS 10.00AM ON FRIDAY 19 JANUARY
FROM KISSMEKATEMUSICAL.COM
One of the all-time classic musical comedy farces, KISS ME, KATE is making a long awaited return to the London stage this summer for a strictly limited 15-week season at the Barbican Theatre, starring the multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar (Ridley, Line of Duty) making his musical theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio and Broadway musical superstar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (Into The Woods, The Cher Show, 9 To 5) making her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine.
From the producer of the smash hit musical Anything Goes and A Strange Loop (both staged at the Barbican), comes this majestic new production of Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece, premiering at the Barbican Theatre on 4 June 2024 until 14 September. Tickets go on general sale on Friday January 19 at 10.00am from KissMeKateMusical.com.
With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by Bella & Samuel Spewack, this magnificent new production, directed by Bartlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific and To Kill A Mockingbird), promises a symphony of wit, charm and musical brilliance for London audiences next year. Joining the dynamic creative team is renowned choreographer Anthony Van Laast, accomplished costume designer Catherine Zuber and leading set designer Michael Yeargan. This all-star creative team have collectively earned a remarkable 20 Tony awards. With a company of over 50, including a full-scale orchestra, and featuring Cole Porter classics such as ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ and ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’ KISS ME, KATE is the perfect musical spectacle for 2024.
Producer Howard Panter said: “I’m delighted to be working with Adrian, Stephanie and Bart to bring this classic, hilarious golden-age musical comedy to the Barbican this summer. Cole Porter’s timeless masterpiece has everything you want: it’s fun, infectious and pure entertainment. This, like Anything Goes, will be the perfect summer treat for London audiences this year.”
Adrian Dunbar said: “I’m so delighted to be returning to the stage this summer to my spiritual home at the Barbican – where I started my career at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama – especially in this Cole Porter classic with the wonderful creative team including Bart Sher and Stephanie J. Block. Summer 2024 just got a lot brighter!”
Stephanie J. Block said: “Look…when asked to bring a Cole Porter classic to the Barbican stage under the care and vision of Bart Sher, one must say yes! There are so many ‘firsts’ to this opportunity, and at this stage of my career, ‘firsts’ are not the norm. How wonderfully scary and challenging and THRILLING. I cannot wait to dive into this timeless classic and put a fresh stamp on it alongside the incredible Adrian Dunbar. Mark my words, this KISS ME, KATE will most definitely not be just ‘another openin’, another show’.”
Toni Racklin, Head of Theatre & Dance at the Barbican, said: “We’re thrilled for this spectacular, brand new production of Kiss Me, Kate, led by its celebrated cast and creative team, to inspire first time and returning audiences this summer. With our welcoming spaces and dramatic architecture, magnificent stage and beautiful auditorium, the Barbican is uniquely suited to presenting what promises to be a dazzling and joyful experience. This exciting collaboration with Trafalgar Entertainment further solidifies the City of London’s position as a leading cultural destination, with the Barbican at the heart of its offer.”
This musical farce which brilliantly showcases Cole Porter’s razor-sharp wit, has won Best Musical at the Tony Awards. It’s a sophisticated, ferociously funny, show within a show – which whisks you into a world of backstage chaos and romantic entanglements as a theatre company attempt to put on a production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. The battle of the sexes takes centre stage as former spouses feud, only to find the off-stage antics rival the drama on-stage. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, confused love, gangsters and a spectacular tap routine and you get KISS ME, KATE – which will bring unabashed joy to audiences next year.
CREATIVE TEAM
Bartlett Sher – Director
Anthony Van Laast – Choreographer
Michael Yeargan – Set Designer
Catherine Zuber – Costume Designer
Donald Holder – Lighting Designer
Adam Fisher – Sound Designer
Stephen Ridley – Music Supervisor
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
First Performance: 4th June 2024
Final performance: 14th September 2024
Performances: Mon – Sat eves at 7.30pm, Thu and Sat mats at 2.30pm
Running time: Approx 2 hours 40 minutes (inc. interval)
Tickets from £29.50
Barbican Box Office: Barbican.org.uk or 020 7870 2500
(Telephone lines open Monday to Friday, 12.00 – 5.30pm)
Website: KissMeKateMusical.com
X: @KissMeKateUK
Facebook: @KissMeKateUK
Instagram: @KissMeKateUK
Access Performances:
Audio Described: Wednesday 17 July, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.30pm) and Saturday 10 August, 2.30pm (Touch Tour 12.30pm)
Captioned: Wednesday 24 July, 7.30pm and Saturday 17 August, 2.30pm
BSL interpreted: Wednesday 31 July, 7.30pm and Saturday 24 August, 2.30pm
Presented in association with the Barbican