Kiss me Kate

CLOGS always put on well-planned and very well performed productions, and this was no exception. It was nice that in this production, the story was very clearly told, as it is quite complex with the play within a play: people playing both onstage and backstage characters.

This production had high energy and great characterisation, good vocal contrasts and excellent live music. The opening, with its backstage character, was very well done, while the use of the area in front of the curtain between stage scenes was inventive and gave good continuity. The singing was very good and the acting brought the characters to life beautifully. The discipline of the whole cast was excellent, especially in the moments when a freeze was required.

The scenery and setting were highly believable, apart perhaps from the projections onto the backcloth. The dressing rooms were very well created, with the doors at the back and the communicating door – used to very good effect – and the notice board, dressing mirror and lights. The costumes were very appropriate on the whole and added nice colour and style to the production. The lighting and sound were very well done, with good balance between the orchestra and the singers. Lighting changes were mostly subtle, unless required not to be, and added greatly to the effect of the action. 

However, it is the quality of the acting and singing that impressed me most. All the cast played their individual characters with panache, and the quality of both diction and singing were excellent. The duets at times were incredibly tender and sensitive. The quartet ‘We open in Venice’ had enormous humour played out to very good effect. Overall, the show was great fun and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. It was a delightful evening of entertainment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.