Twopenny Theatre

Photo: MrC, CC BY-SA 2.0

“Chemistry” in the context of rom-coms usually refers to one thing – the compatibility between romantic leads. As formulas go, it’s a relatively simple one – are the stars attracted (and attractive)? If so, you’re well on your way to an enjoyable show.

The Barbican’s current production of Kiss Me, Kate has this kind of chemistry, for sure, but it’s also one of the best all-around shows of the season, and that warrants a discussion of a different kind of chemistry. This is the kind practised in biolabs and on premier stages alike – anywhere where carefully selected and produced ingredients are put together in just the right way to make something truly great. Kiss Me, Kate is in this category because every element – writing, performances, and production – are top-notch. In a slightly worrying situation for a theatre critic, there’s very little to criticise.

It helps that the show’s bones have a prodigious pedigree – this iteration of Kate clocks in as the seventh London production in the musical’s 75-year history, and that longevity speaks to the strength of its writing. Cole Porter’s songs are clever, punny earworms, and Kate’s book, from husband-and-wife duo Bella and Samuel Spewack, is classic comedy, filled with repartee and spiced with slapstick. The premise is simple enough – a recently divorced couple take on the lead roles in The Taming of the Shrew  – but the execution is zany, even campy. There are Shakespeare-quoting gangsters, a pompous Army general, and plenty of backstage drama. One of the best qualities of Kate is that it knows that it’s funny, which leads its songs to often linger one more verse than you might expect – a “yes, and..” approach to lyricism that extracts the maximum amount of laughs from each number. 

So, what makes this production of Kiss Me, Kate stand out? So much of comedy comes down to the things you can’t write – subtle moments of timing, exaggeration, and stage presence. This is a science as much as it is an art, and one that the show’s leading pair exes, Adrian Dunbar (Fred Graham/Petruchio) and Stephanie J. Block (Lilli Vanessi/Kate), noticeably excel in, trading barbs like the old (once)-married couple they’re supposed to be. Dunbar and Block might not even be the best comedy duo in the show, however – that distinction is equally fitting for Hammed Animashaun and Nigel Lindsay, playing a pair of gangsters with surprisingly deep predilections for theatre. Rounding out the leading cast, Georgina Onuorah (Lois Lane/Bianca) sings her winking numbers “Always True to You in My Fashion” and “Tom, Dick, or Harry” with a commanding stage presence and a delightful gleam in her eye. It’s rare to have this many actors with great comedic delivery, and Kiss Me, Kate is capitalising on it. 

Furthermore, even in the West End, it’s rare to get through a musical without noticing that some of its performers are better actors than singers. Not so here – every song is performed forcefully and with character. That alone is a treat, but it’s taken to the next level with ensemble choreography (from Anthony Van Laast) that independently commands. The apotheosis of this is the opening number of Act II, “Too Darn Hot”, masterfully led by Jack Butterworth (Paul) and Charlie Stemp (Bill Calhoun/Lucentio). Throughout the number – and really, the whole show – the cast has an aura of effortless intensity. They look like they’re having fun, inviting the audience to match their energy

Is Kiss Me, Kate breaking new ground? Well, unless you’re interested in the engineering behind Michael Yeargan’s two-story, rotating set, not really. There are shows with a similar heritage trying hard – and succeeding – at reimagining themselves (the Bridge’s production of Guys and Dolls immediately springs to mind). Kate makes its mark, however, by nailing the fundamentals of its genre, with no weak links among the actors, staging, or script. That’s enough to make it eminently enjoyable for one viewing – and maybe even two or three. Good thing the seats at the Barbican are comfy!

Rating: 4.5/5
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