Kiss Me Kate (Tinkers Farm Opera)
Too Darn Hot might just be the right phrase to describe the Tinkers Farm Opera production of Cole Porter's 'Kiss Me Kate' at Stourbridge Town Hall, a quote from Vanity Fair once stated that 'in a way no other songs of the period quite did, Porter's created a world' and Director, Emma Harley has created another parallel universe in which the audience can lose themselves for an hour or two. Complemented by some exquisitely lavish choreography from Emma and Val Harley and majestic interpretation of the score by Dr Edward Caine, this is a classic piece of musical theatre, originally premiered in 1948 and brought to life over sixty years later, it has without doubt stood the test of time.
Leading the cast are two real life partnerships, Daniel and Kate Cox as Fred Graham/Petrucio and Lilli Vanessi/Kate creating a fiery relationship on stage that I can only hope is a testament to their acting talent/substantial singing voices and not their everyday interactions. Alongside Rebecca Bate and Richard Cooper as Lois Lane/Bianca and Bill Calhoun/Lucentio who create a tantalising relationship on stage that must be based on reality.
Creating two of the most fondly remembered characters in musical theatre are Stephen Homer and Andy Parker as the Gangsters attempting to collect a debt based on a forged signature, suitably menacing and delivering the 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare' number both on the stage and within the audience space with great comic timing.
Simon Wilkinson as Paul, dresser to Mr Graham and a suitor to Bianca (Hortensio) leads an exceptional musical/dance number in 'Too Darn Hot' as does Bethan Siviter-Coupland as Hattie, dresser to Miss Vanessi with her engaging leading role/vocals in 'Another Opening, Another Show'.
Completing the trio of suitors to Bianca is another assured performance from Eddie Adkins as Gremio, John Cooper is excellently frustrated as Baptista, father to Kate (desperately trying to match her with any available man) and John Nicholas gives a quality performance as General Harrison Howell the rather demanding prospective new husband for Miss Vanessi before she sees sense and returns to rekindle her deep rooted relationship with Fred.
There is an extensive supporting cast that are vital to making this production as entertaining and invigorating as it is which makes it a true spectacle that you will regret missing, so get yourself a ticket while you still can and I'm confident you will really feel Wunderbar after the experience.
Book Here
Leading the cast are two real life partnerships, Daniel and Kate Cox as Fred Graham/Petrucio and Lilli Vanessi/Kate creating a fiery relationship on stage that I can only hope is a testament to their acting talent/substantial singing voices and not their everyday interactions. Alongside Rebecca Bate and Richard Cooper as Lois Lane/Bianca and Bill Calhoun/Lucentio who create a tantalising relationship on stage that must be based on reality.
Creating two of the most fondly remembered characters in musical theatre are Stephen Homer and Andy Parker as the Gangsters attempting to collect a debt based on a forged signature, suitably menacing and delivering the 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare' number both on the stage and within the audience space with great comic timing.
Simon Wilkinson as Paul, dresser to Mr Graham and a suitor to Bianca (Hortensio) leads an exceptional musical/dance number in 'Too Darn Hot' as does Bethan Siviter-Coupland as Hattie, dresser to Miss Vanessi with her engaging leading role/vocals in 'Another Opening, Another Show'.
Completing the trio of suitors to Bianca is another assured performance from Eddie Adkins as Gremio, John Cooper is excellently frustrated as Baptista, father to Kate (desperately trying to match her with any available man) and John Nicholas gives a quality performance as General Harrison Howell the rather demanding prospective new husband for Miss Vanessi before she sees sense and returns to rekindle her deep rooted relationship with Fred.
There is an extensive supporting cast that are vital to making this production as entertaining and invigorating as it is which makes it a true spectacle that you will regret missing, so get yourself a ticket while you still can and I'm confident you will really feel Wunderbar after the experience.
Book Here
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