Full cast announced for 'Kiss Me, Kate' at the Barbican
The Cole Porter classic musical will play a limited 15-week run at London's Barbican Centre, and stars Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block as the leads.
The full cast has been revealed for Bartlett Sher's production of the Cole Porter classic musical comedy Kiss Me, Kate. The show opens at the Barbican in London on 4 June for a strictly limited 15-week run.
Joining the previously announced Adrian Dunbar (Line of Duty) as Fred Graham/Petruchio and Stephanie J Block (Into the Woods, Wicked, Sunset Boulevard) as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine, will be Josie Benson as Hattie, Jack Butterworth as Paul, Jude Owusu as Harry Trevor/Baptista, Carl Au as Hortensio/Ensemble, Jordan Crouch as Gremio/Ensemble, Gary Milner as Ralph/Ensemble, and James Hume as Pops/Ensemble.
They will star alongside Charlie Stemp (Crazy For You, Mary Poppins), as Bill Calhoun, Georgina Onuorah (The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma!) as Lois Lane/Bianca, Hammed Animashaun (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Black Ops) and Nigel Lindsay (Victoria, Shrek The Musical) as the gangsters, and Peter Davison (Dr Who, All Creatures Great and Small) as the General.
The full ensemble includes Alisha Capon, Shani Cator, Maya de Faria, Amelia Kinu Muus, Jacqui Jameson, Lucas Koch, Alex Lodge, Nell Martin, Anna McGarahan, John Stacey, and Harrison Wilde. Swings are Robin Kent, Barry Drummond, Emily Goodenough, and Maddie Harper.
Producer Howard Panter said: “I am thrilled we have brought together an exceptional ensemble of actors to complete the stellar cast for this summer’s hottest musical. With some of the finest talent from the West End, they will undoubtedly bring immense joy to Barbican audiences. Plus a full-scale orchestra performing Cole Porter’s sensational classics and incredible choreography, Kiss Me, Kate promises to be an absolute treat!”
The creative team includes choreographer Anthony Van Laast, costume designer Catherine Zuber, and set designer Michael Yeargan, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by Bella and Samuel Spewack.
Kiss Me, Kate is a show within a show, and takes the audience into a world of backstage chaos and romantic entanglements as a theatre company attempt to put on a production of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Book Kiss Me, Kate tickets on London Theatre.
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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