By Maria Bregman
Kiss Me, Kate is one of the most beloved musical comedies of all time, featuring a witty and clever adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, a catchy score by Cole Porter, and a hilarious plot that revolves around the backstage antics of a divorced couple who star in a musical version of the Bard’s play. The show has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, winning the first ever Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949 and enjoying several successful revivals in the West End. Here’s a look at how Kiss Me, Kate has charmed and entertained London audiences over the years.
The First West End Production: 1951
Kiss Me, Kate made its West End debut in March 1951 at the Coliseum Theatre, now known as the London Coliseum. The show was directed by Sam Spewack, who co-wrote the book with his wife Bella Spewack, and featured some of the original Broadway cast members, such as Patricia Morison, who played the fiery Lilli Vanessi/Kate, and Julie Wilson, who played the flirtatious Lois Lane/Bianca. They were joined by new additions, such as Bill Johnson, who played the egotistical Fred Graham/Petruchio, and Adelaide Hall, who played the sassy Hattie. The show was an instant hit with British audiences, who loved the humour, the romance, and the songs, such as “So in Love”, “Too Darn Hot”, and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”. The show ran for 400 performances, and established Kiss Me, Kate as a classic of the musical theatre genre.
The Second West End Production: 1970
It took almost two decades for Kiss Me, Kate to return to the West End, but when it did, it was a triumphant comeback. The show reopened at the same venue, the Coliseum, in October 1970, with a new production directed by Roger Redfarn and choreographed by Gillian Lynne. The cast featured some of the biggest names in British musical theatre, such as Patricia Routledge, who played Lilli/Kate, and Emile Belcourt, who played Fred/Petruchio. They were supported by a talented ensemble, including Liz Robertson, who played Lois/Bianca, and Denis Quilley, who played Bill Calhoun/Lucentio. The show received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised the performances, the staging, and the timeless appeal of the show. The show ran for 501 performances, and won the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical.
The Third West End Production: 1987
The next West End revival of Kiss Me, Kate came in 1987, when the show opened at the Old Vic Theatre in November. The show was directed by Richard Cottrell and choreographed by Lindsay Dolan, and featured a cast that included Nichola McAuliffe, who played Lilli/Kate, and Paul Jones, who played Fred/Petruchio. They were joined by Fiona Hendley, who played Lois/Bianca, and Tim Flavin, who played Bill/Lucentio. The show was well-received by critics and audiences, who enjoyed the fresh and lively interpretation of the show, and the sparkling chemistry between the leads. The show ran for 292 performances, and was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.
The Fourth West End Production: 2001
The most recent West End revival of Kiss Me, Kate took place in 2001, when the show opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre in October. The show was a transfer of the 1999 Broadway revival, which had won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The show was directed by Michael Blakemore and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, and featured a cast that included Marin Mazzie, who reprised her Broadway role as Lilli/Kate, and Brent Barrett, who played Fred/Petruchio. They were joined by Nancy Anderson, who played Lois/Bianca, and Michael Berresse, who played Bill/Lucentio. The show was a huge success, garnering critical acclaim and public acclaim, and showcasing the brilliance of Porter’s score and the Spewacks’ book. The show ran for 881 performances, and won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.
The Future of Kiss Me, Kate in the West End
Kiss Me, Kate is a show that never goes out of style, and that always delights and entertains audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The show has a timeless charm, a witty humour, and a romantic heart, that make it a perfect musical comedy. The show also has a rich and varied history in the West End, where it has been performed by some of the finest actors and singers in the industry. The show is now returning to London, with a new production at the Barbican this summer, starring Stephanie J Block and Adrian Dunbar as Lilli/Kate and Fred/Petruchio. Directed by Bartlett Sher, who has brought his acclaimed productions of The King and I, My Fair Lady, and To Kill a Mockingbird to the West End, this revival promises to be a spectacular and thrilling experience for theatre lovers. Don’t miss the chance to see this classic musical, and to discover why Kiss Me, Kate is one of the best shows ever written.