Kiss Me Kate

It was great to see this Cole Porter musical given an airing in Axminster after an unwarranted absence in the area for some time. Filled with catchy show-stoppers, and witty lines, a masterful production can easily gratify any ardent musicals fan. Curtain up started full pelt with chorus thrashing out 'Another Op'nin' which then drifted into the overture, played with feeling and sounding as one, under the firm control of the baton, while cast suitably busied themselves. Perfect sound balance ensured all were heard with ease. Choreography had been devised with thought, being varied and relevant. Cast interpreted the moves with assurance and a fair amount of ability. An inventive but simple, effective set made up of several folding flats were swiftly changed between scenes, ensuring that oh so crucial pace was maintained. Costumes were beautifully coordinated, being of superb quality and design, a veritable feast for the eyes. Lilli’s entrance left the audience in no doubt of her character status with wonderful poise  and purpose she held the stage at every opportunity, her beautifully controlled voice cutting through the vocal numbers with competence and ease. While the relationship with her egotistic husband Fred never quite felt like the ‘sparks and roses’ usually associated with them, both gave enough to ensure the roles were enjoyed. Perfectly cast as Lois, Kelly Apps charmed us all with her cheeky, assured characterization, her vocal numbers could almost have been written for her voice so relaxed and natural was her performance. A stage partner surely relishes the comfort and confidence that bounces between a couple and despite the need for further role development; Bill took full advantage of the obvious rapport between Lois and himself.  In this musical the mobsters often steal the show, their comic lines and demeanour, in the right hands, gives the potential for this. This pairing was excellent and while absolutely nothing could be taken away from their performance, the abundance of other positive elements within this production blended to an overall solid all round production. It was obvious the amount of hard work the director had put into the staging of chorus numbers, some being absolute highlights of the show. When nestled into their stride, chorus sang with encouraging confidence. ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ displayed tight harmony and musicality. ‘Too Darn Hot’ was the epitome of this society’s creditably at raising the bar, song of the show for me! Wunderbar!

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