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Kiss Me Kate
The Old Vic
Reviewed on Tuesday 12th February 2013
"Featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter with book by Sam and Bella Spewack, Kiss Me Kate is an exuberant show-within-a-show that throws together the worlds of gun-toting gangsters, sparring actors and romantic entanglements against a backdrop of a musical production of The Taming of the Shrew."
Kiss Me Kate is a delightful show. This production, which after a successful run at the Chichester Festival Theatre transferred to The Old Vic last November, has a terrific cast, glorious design and slick choreography.
Kiss Me Kate is very funny but thankfully never crosses the line to become stupid or desperate. Some scenes are quite lengthy but a good song and dance are never too far away. As cheesy as it sounds, for just over two hours you will completely forget about all your worries and troubles as Kiss Me Kate cannot help but bring a smile to your face. The show transports you back in time to a wonderful era.
Hannah Waddingham gives an almighty performance as Hollywood star Lilli Vanessi (who plays Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew - the show within the show). Hannah deserves every award going for her outstanding portrayal of quite a complex character. Somehow she manages to perform with wit, confidence and charm. Her rendition of I Hate Men was hilarious, yet slightly frightening at the same time. When she sang I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple at the end of the show you could hear a pin drop, it was so gentle and simply beautiful, showing what a versatile actress she is.
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Stand out performances also came from Clive Rowe and David Burt as the somehow loveable bad guys. They just have to look at the audience to receive laughs and their performance of Brush Up Your Shakespeare was one of the highlights. The ensemble are strong and pay great attention to detail. They seamlessly help with the scene changes and help to keep the show alive.
Kiss Me Kate is a wonderful show, you must try and see it if you can before it closes on Saturday 2nd March 2013. Click here for tickets.
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