I had missed this show on Broadway, so when I went to London while it was playing there, I decided I should go! However, I didn’t intend to go on the particular evening that I went – a friend was joining me for the evening, and we were hoping to see Bombay Dreams. But when we couldn’t get tickets for that, I suggested we try Kiss Me, Kate instead, and I was a little apprehensive about it – she’s not a big fan of the theatre, the last show we’d seen together had not impressed her, and I was afraid it would be a little too old-fashioned and corny for her.
However, I shouldn’t have worried! We both had a great time. Although we had bought upper circle seats, the theatre was so empty (why??) that they closed the upper circle, and we got front row seats in the dress circle! So it was an excellent view. I was also looking forward to the cast, particularly because I had seen Rachel York in The Scarlet Pimpernel many times, so I knew she was great, and I enjoyed Michael Berresse on the cast recording, and Brent Barrett on the other recordings I’ve heard with him. And, they all lived up to my expectations.
Nancy Anderson was quite good as Lois Lane, but her character doesn’t appeal to me that much. I could do with less of her, and also much less of the thugs (“Brush Up Your Shakespeare” is a verse or two too long for my liking!). Oh, and “Too Darn Hot” is too long as well. Now that I’m done complaining… 😉
Probably my favourite song from the show is “So in Love”, and both Rachel and Brent sang it beautifully. Both of these actors have very expressive faces, which are well suited to the broad comedy of the “onstage” parts of the show. Aside from the two leads, I loved the way Michael Berresse climbed the set in “Bianca” – very impressive! The dancing was great, and the costumes and sets are beautiful. It is a great production, and I’m really glad that I made the choice to see it!
|
Hattie |
KAYE E. BROWN |
|
Paul |
NOLAN FREDERICK |
|
Ralph (Stage Manager) |
ALAN VICARY |
|
Lois Lane |
NANCY ANDERSON |
|
Bill Calhoun |
MICHAEL BERRESSE |
|
Lilli Vanessi |
RACHEL YORK |
|
Dance Captain |
CHRISTOPHER STEWART |
|
Fred Graham |
BRENT BARRETT |
|
Harry Trevor |
COLIN FARRELL |
|
Pops (Stage Doorman) |
DUNCAN SMITH |
|
Cab Driver |
ANDREW SPILLETT |
|
First Man |
TEDDY KEMPNER |
|
Second Man |
JACK CHISSICK |
|
Harrison Howell |
NICOLAS COLICOS |
|
Bianca (Lois Lane) |
NANCY ANDERSON |
|
Baptitsta (Harry Trevor) |
COLIN FARRELL |
|
Gremio (First Suitor) |
NICK WINSTON |
|
Hortensio (Second Suitor) |
BARRY McNEILL |
|
Lucentio (Bill Calhoun) |
MICHAEL BERRESSE |
|
Katharine (Lilli Vanessi) |
RACHEL YORK |
|
Petruchio (Fred Graham) |
BRENT BARRETT |
|
Nathaniel |
ANDREW SPILLETT |
|
Gregory |
CHRISTOPHER STEWART |
|
Philip |
PHILLIP SUTTON |
|
Haberdasher |
RICHARD SIDAWAY |
|
Ensemble |
VIKKI COOTE |