Kiss Me Kate - Garrick Theatre - 07/10/08 by Julia Taylor

Shakespeare would be delighted to see the musical version of his play ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ by the Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre. But Cole Porter’s ‘Kiss me Kate’ isn’t just about Shakespeare. He introduces us to the actors who take part in ‘Taming of the Shrew’ and their backstage relationships.

And it is a tribute to those actors that they can so swiftly switch, for example, from Fred to Petruchio, or from Lilli to Kate. You’ve only just sat down when you want to jump up again and join in the opening chorus ‘Another Op’nin, Another Show’. That song is just the start of a glorious mix of the best of Cole Porter.

Then Fred (Jeff Harpin), a gambler who directs and leads the show within a show, and Lilli, also Kate, (Sarah Thewlis), divorcees who are patently still in love, sing that lovely duet ‘Wunderbar’.

In finding Sarah Thewlis, Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre has discovered a star. There are occasionally moments in a show when you think “This is truly amazing.” Such a moment comes when Sarah, as Kate, sings ‘I Hate Men’. This isn’t just a song, it is a performance. Every movement and tone of her voice conveys passionate venom.

Jeff Harpin has a baritone voice of depth and quality. As Petruchio, he gives unforgettable renderings of “Were thine that Special Face”, and, married to the vixen Kate, “Where is the Life that Late I led?” Another couple who share centre stage are Lois, a dizzy blonde who is Shakespeare’s Bianca and Bill Calhoun, alias Lucentio. Laura Bryant and Nick Angus play them with relish.

A scene which you remember on the way home is when Laura’s Bianca is pursued by three suitors and she and they sing the humorous little ditty, “Tom, Dick or Harry”. Nick’s highlight comes when he leads the dancers in ‘Bianca’.

The plot sounds complicated but in reality it is a lovely, relaxing evening’s entertainment with a happy ending. The sixteenth century costumes are colourful and imaginative, the backdrops are varied and the chorus, dancers and orchestra are the tops.

As in the famous reprise the show gently helps you to “Brush up Your Shakespeare” without having to use much grey matter! I wouldn’t be surprised if SAMT follow last year’s successes in the Manchester Musical and NODA awards and gain even more trophies.