25 September 2024
Following huge critical acclaim this summer at the Barbican Theatre, the smash-hit production of Kiss Me, Kate has been filmed especially for the big screen by Trafalgar Releasing and will be released in cinemas across the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia and selected international territories from 17 November, bringing the magic of this musical masterpiece to an even wider audience around the world.
Kiss Me, Kate was a five-star sensation during its three-month summer residency and audiences flocked to see this “showstopper of a musical” (City AM) thrill with its “exhilarating” (The Guardian) performances from multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar, described by The i as “a revelation” in his musical theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio and Broadway musical superstar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block who “commands the stage and makes every note sing” (Time Out) in her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine.
Described by the Daily Mail as “sexy and sassy” with “great songs, hot dancing and smart gags” this dazzling production enchanted audiences and critics alike with its breath-taking choreography, show stopping numbers and star-studded cast delivering unforgettable performances. Now, thanks to the magic of cinema, theatre lovers everywhere will have the opportunity to experience the joy and spectacle of this “sizzling summer hit” (Daily Telegraph). The screenings promise to deliver the best of both worlds: the intimacy of live performance captured with the clarity and scale of film.
Adrian Dunbar said: “I’m delighted that Kiss Me, Kate will continue its journey onto the big screen this November. We had a great three months at the Barbican and I thoroughly enjoyed treading the musical theatre boards for the first time. It’s exciting news that even more people will have the opportunity to see the show in cinemas across the UK, Ireland and beyond.”
Stephanie J. Block said: “I had such a wonderful time performing at the Barbican this summer in Kiss Me, Kate. So, I’m delighted that the production was recorded for cinema release and will now be enjoyed by an even wider audience, including cinema goers in the USA.”
Producer Howard Panter said: “Following the tremendous success of our summer residency at the Barbican, which was nothing short of extraordinary, I am delighted that we can bring Kiss Me, Kate to audiences around the world. The performances of our incredible critically acclaimed cast, led by the incomparable Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block, make this a must-see cinema event this November.”
Trafalgar Releasing’s CEO Marc Allenby said: “Following the cinema Box Office success of The King and I and Anything Goes, it’s great to be working with our partner Trafalgar Entertainment once again to bring this entertaining and uplifting musical comedy to cinemas across the UK and around the globe. With the filming produced and financed by Trafalgar Releasing, we are continuing to build our wide-ranging portfolio of theatre and cultural content captured especially for the big screen.”
The cast also features Charlie Stemp (Crazy For You, Mary Poppins) as Bill Calhoun and rising star Georgina Onuorah (The Wizard of Oz / Oklahoma!) as Lois Lane / Bianca. Hammed Animashaun (A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Black Ops) and Nigel Lindsay (Victoria / Shrek The Musical) are the singing hilarious gangsters and acting legend Peter Davison (Dr Who / All Creatures Great and Small) plays the role of the General.
Director Bartlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific and To Kill A Mockingbird) has brought together an all-star creative team who have collectively won a remarkable 20 Tony awards between them. The dynamic team includes renowned choreographer Anthony Van Laast, accomplished costume designer Catherine Zuber and leading set designer Michael Yeargan. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the book by Bella & Samuel Spewack, this new production promises a symphony of wit, charm and musical brilliance. Featuring a company of over 50, including a full-scale orchestra, they perform Cole Porter classics such as ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ and ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’ – Kiss Me, Kate is the perfect musical spectacle.
The musical farce which brilliantly showcases razor-sharp wit, won Best Musical at the Tony Awards. It’s a sophisticated, ferociously funny, show within a show – which whisks you into a world of backstage chaos and romantic entanglements as a theatre company attempt to put on a production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. The battle of the sexes takes centre stage as former spouses feud, only to find the off-stage antics rival the drama on-stage. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, confused love, gangsters and a spectacular tap routine and you get…Kiss Me, Kate.