Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar will make his musical theatre debut in a major new production of Cole Porter’s classic Kiss Me, Kate at the Barbican this summer.
The stage and screen star who starred as a jazz singing detective in the ITV drama Ridley, will take on the role of Fred Graham/Petruchio opposite Tony Award winner Stephanie J Block (The Cher Show, Into the Woods) who will make her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi/Katherine in the production which will be directed by multi-award-winner Bartlett Sher (My Fair Lady, The King and I).
The latest from Howard Panter, the producer of the recent Barbican hits, Anything Goes and A Strange Loop, the new production of Porter’s Golden Age musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of The Shrew will play a strictly limited engagement at the London theatre from 4 June until 14 September.
Announcing the production, Panter said: “I’m delighted to be working with Adrian, Stephanie and Bart to bring this classic, hilarious golden-age musical comedy to the Barbican this summer. Cole Porter’s timeless masterpiece has everything you want: it’s fun, infectious and pure entertainment. This, like Anything Goes, will be the perfect summer treat for London audiences this year.”
Dunbar said: “I’m so delighted to be returning to the stage this summer to my spiritual home at the Barbican – where I started my career at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama – especially in this Cole Porter classic with the wonderful creative team including Bart Sher and Stephanie J Block. Summer 2024 just got a lot brighter!”
Block added: “Look… when asked to bring a Cole Porter classic to the Barbican stage under the care and vision of Bart Sher, one must say yes! There are so many ‘firsts’ to this opportunity, and at this stage of my career, ‘firsts’ are not the norm. How wonderfully scary and challenging and thrilling. I cannot wait to dive into this timeless classic and put a fresh stamp on it alongside the incredible Adrian Dunbar. Mark my words, this Kiss Me, Kate will most definitely not be just ‘another openin’, another show’.”
With a remarkable 20 Tony Awards to their credit, the high-powered creative team for the production includes renowned choreographer Anthony Van Laast, accomplished costume designer Catherine Zuber and leading set designer Michael Yeargan. The team also includes lighting designer Donald Holder, sound designer Adam Fisher and music supervisor Stephen Ridley.
Commenting on the production, on behalf of the Barbican, the head of theatre and dance, Toni Racklin said: “We’re thrilled for this spectacular, brand-new production of Kiss Me, Kate, led by its celebrated cast and creative team, to inspire first time and returning audiences this summer.
“With our welcoming spaces and dramatic architecture, magnificent stage and beautiful auditorium, the Barbican is uniquely suited to presenting what promises to be a dazzling and joyful experience. This exciting collaboration with Trafalgar Entertainment further solidifies the City of London’s position as a leading cultural destination, with the Barbican at the heart of its offer.”
First staged on Broadway in 1948, the multi-award-winning musical features music and lyrics by Porter and a book by Bella and Samuel Spewack. The show features a number of the composer’s best-loved songs including ‘Too Darn Hot’, ‘Another Op’nin’ Another Show’, ‘Always True to You in My Fashion’ and ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’.
Angela Thomas
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