Kiss Me Kate

Director - Brendan Roberts and his team delivered an excellent evening of entertainment with the wonderful music of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate. His vision of Kiss Me Kate certainly worked on the Gulbenkian stage. Perfect Set Design by Brendan and Reiss Humphries-Paige, Reiss being Stage Manager, brought it all together making Kiss Me Kate move swiftly along. ‘The Band’, of nine musicians, was exceptional. Great idea to have them up above the stage it balanced the sound beautifully. Musical Director - and Pianist - Vikki Hall maximised the vocal agility of her players. Linda McCann’s costume choices truly fitted the bill, colourful and very fitting for 40’s Broadway. Courtney Jones had everyone ‘moving’ and dancing with confidence and pace. I particularly liked Too Darn Hot lead by Luke Humphries-Paige playing Paul, Courtney your movement of this cast of twenty or more  on a small stage excelled….The attitude towards women has (fortunately) changed dramatically since the 40/50s, but the macho attitudes towards women weren't too uncomfortable to watch. Well played to all involved—a deft hand kept it at an appropriate light-hearted level. 

Lee Thompson - Fred Graham/Petruchio was a natural for the part and had a voice that ‘stopped you in your tracks’. Well cast and well played. Alice Alexandre’s - Lilli Vanessi/Katherine was a wonderful fit to her spirited character. A delight from start to finish. Excellent vocals made her an ideal match for her ‘Fred’.I must mention Grace Newton – Ralph – she had a convincing presence on stage as the Stage Manager. Her stride certainly indicated a woman on a mission.  Leanne Hardy-Wall gave us a delightful Lois Lane. Ewen Stanley the smiling boy!! shone as Calhoun/Lucentio. The partnership of Bill Brand and Luke Ricardman as Man 1 and 2 gave us comedy, that was adequately executed, especially in Brush up your Shakespeare, but I always think this number is far to long!! Norman Holness gave us maturity as the General. Norman and had a nice stage, prescence. 

Once again Congratulations must go to Set Designers – Brendan Roberts and Reiss Humphries-Paige and his stage crew. The transformation of the Gulbenkian stage was impressive. In fact, every one of the cast from supporting leads to ensemble looked ‘in the moment’ for every musical number – very refreshing and a credit to their ‘Directors’. . a thoroughly entertaining evening at Kiss me Kate. It’s a great shame that you didn’t have a larger audience, you deserved better. Thank you CMTS for inviting Mary and me.

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