Charlie Stemp to join cast of 'Kiss Me, Kate' in the West End
Stemp joins the cast with rising star Georgina Onuorah. They will appear alongside the previously announced Adrian Dunbar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block.
Olivier nominee Charlie Stemp and West End rising star Georgina Onuorah will take to the stage in Cole Porter's musical comedy Kiss Me, Kate at the Barbican this summer. They join Line of Duty's Adrian Dunbar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block.
Stemp, who has previously appeared in Crazy For You and Mary Poppins, will bring his tap-dancing skills to the role of the impulsive gambler Bill Calhoun/Lucentio. Onuorah (The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma!) will play Lois Lane/Bianca.
Stemp said: “Kiss Me, Kate has always been a favourite show of mine, so to get the chance to return to the West End so soon in this title and specifically opposite Adrian Dunbar, Stephanie J. Block and Georgina Onuorah is a dream come true.”
Onuorah added: “I am thrilled to be involved in this reimagined Kiss Me, Kate - with a Lois/Bianca that looks like me! Bart Sher is a remarkable director and I am so excited to get working on this beloved musical with this wonderful team.”
The classic musical comedy farce, directed by Bartlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific, To Kill A Mockingbird), is a show within a show and follows a theatre company as it attempts to put on a production of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Kiss Me, Kate runs for a strictly limited 15-week season at the Barbican Theatre from 4 June – 14 September.
Book Kiss Me, Kate tickets on London Theatre.
Photo credit: Charlie Stemp. (Photo courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is Kiss Me, Kate about?
Cole Porter’s beloved musical comedy Kiss Me, Kate, returns to the West End, starring award-winning actors Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block as fraught ex-lovers forced to star opposite each other in a musical.
Where is Kiss Me, Kate playing?
Kiss Me, Kate is playing at Barbican Centre. The theatre is located at Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.
How long is Kiss Me, Kate?
The running time of Kiss Me, Kate is 2hr 40min. Incl. 1 interval.
How do you book tickets for Kiss Me, Kate?
Book tickets for Kiss Me, Kate on London Theatre.
What's the age requirement for Kiss Me, Kate?
The recommended age for Kiss Me, Kate is Ages 10+..
What songs are in Kiss Me, Kate?
The musical has many hit songs, including “Another Op'nin', Another Show,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” and “Tom, Dick or Harry.”
Who wrote Kiss Me, Kate?
The lyrics and music are written by the legendary Cole Porter, and the book was written by Samuel and Bella Spewack.
Who directed Kiss Me, Kate?
Nine-time Tony-nominated director Bartlett Sher stages Kiss Me, Kate.
Is Kiss Me, Kate appropriate for kids?
Kiss Me, Kate is a great show for kids 10 and up, as children under 10 may not understand some of the jokes.
Is Kiss Me, Kate good?
The musical’s numerous awards, accolades, and longevity speak to what a fantastic show it is. It’s been 76 years since Kiss Me, Kate first premiered, and it’s one of Porter’s most famous works; even today, it is a gripping comedic drama with hit songs that audiences love.
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