We take a look at what is being said about Bartlett Sher’s production of the musical, starring Stephanie J. Block & Adrian Dunbar.
Broadway World: **** “Led by Jack Butterworth and Stemp, the ensemble come to the fore in the second half opener, the steamy, sexy “Too Darn Hot”, choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. It’s such a delight that one wonders why we see so little of the guys and gals, perhaps not at that level of energy, but we do feel a little deprived because they’re bloody good!”
Evening Standard: *** “Stemp and Onuorah are great when briefly allowed to shine. But with all the talent attached, it should have been so much better.”
The Guardian: **** “Dunbar has some dapper moves and a pointed way with a lyric. Vocally he is, shall we say, brave casting for a role often taken by operatic baritones – less than wunderbar against rich-voiced Block. Few could match her pugilistic coloratura or the barn-burning gleam of her solo I Hate Men.”
The Arts Desk: **** ” It’s an energetic, largely intelligent production of what is at base a screwball comedy with great songs.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “As fantastic as the original writing is, Bartlett Sher delivers intricate and note-perfect direction, bringing every bit of potential out of the story and situations, and finding new ground to play with in the meantime. Some truly inspired choices lead to riveting scenes which exemplify the very best in theatre in a production that manages to counter the balance of classic and contemporary perfectly.”
The Reviews Hub: ** 1/2 “But despite some great musical orchestrations by Don Sebesky (with additional dance arrangements by Gareth Valentine), it feels like this production of Kiss Me, Kate doesn’t quite fire on every cylinder. Apart from the eponymous Act II opening number, it’s just too darn tepid.”
The Independent: **** “Nevertheless, there’s something about the combo of sparkly old Cole Porter showtunes in the blank brutal concrete of the Barbican that just works. Even with the flaws of the show, and the occasional lacunae in Sher’s direction – static moments that lose momentum – it’s all just so much fun. No doubt we’ll be back next year for, what, High Society? Can’t wait.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “What really elevates the show, however, is the production’s company (casting by Serena Hill). Alongside Dunbar and Block (he a warm crooner, she an irresistible powerhouse), strong supports come from Georgina Onuorah, who is having an incredible year, and the athletic poise and comedy chops of Charlie Stemp. Hammed Animashaun and Nigel Lindsay have a whale of a time waxing lyrical about the Bard towards the piece’s climax, while Jack Butterworth proves himself a leading man in waiting during the aforementioned “Too Darn Hot” (you can watch some of it above). Wunderbar!”
Theatre Vibe: “Barlett Sher’s direction is spot on. It’s beautifully paced and presents the energy, anxiety and excitement of a theatrical production on opening night. The multiple storylines are coherent, and the comedy is delivered sharply. If any of the concerns my chums expressed on earlier productions were true, they have been addressed perfectly.”
City Am: **** “Broadway star Stephanie J. Block commendably doesn’t dull Lilli’s rage, unwilling to let the wronged woman go down without a fight, despite the saccharine ending, and Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar pulls off that lecherous charisma that men like Fred trade in by instinct. Sure, there’s a world in which an updated script might flesh out the central pair’s story more, crafting an ending that does her justice, but that could be said for just about any 1940s sexist musical.”
The Stage: *** “Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J Block star in a miscast, misfiring revival of the Cole Porter classic.”
There Ought to be Clowns: “The Barbican are clearly hoping for a reprise of the great success that was 2022’s Anything Goes but even if this had cast a legit musical theatre star as Fred, on this evidence Kiss Me, Kate just isn’t as good as a show to be able to match it.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “All in all, a true Broadway calibre revival of a classic, already timeless due to its high level of sophistication and humour in Porter’s lyrics as well as in the spoken dialogue. Surely the best backstage musical ever and the best show within a show (the direct addresses to the audience from Dunbar make this production in fact a show within a show within a show). All matched by the everlasting beauty of Porter’s music, brilliantly orchestrated by Don Sebesky, with additional new orchestrations from Tom Kelly and dance arrangements by the great Gareth Valentine. This splendid production is bound to be the highlight of the summer season.”
The Telegraph: **** “The TV star and a fantastically on-form Stephanie J Block make a swell duo in this smart new staging with all the makings of a summer hit.”
Kiss Me Kate will play at the Barbican until the 14th September. To book tickets visit: Love Theatre.com, London Box Office, and London Theatre Direct.