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Kiss Me Kate
9 - 12 June 2004
Music
by Cole Porter,
Libretto by Sam & Bella Spewack
Director Derek Lockwood
The Cast
Frederick Graham - Stephen Crompton
Lilli Vanessi - Rachel Butcher
Lois Lane - Heidi Ashton
Bill
Calhoun - Andrew Mills
Harrison
Howell - Barrie Theobald
Harry
Taylor - Phillip Elliot
Ralph - Gordon Bird
Paul - Justin Sadler
Hattie -
Marion Hancock
First Man - Gary Ellmes
Second Man - Jim Robinson
Stage
Doorman - Karen Bird
Cabbie - Mark Richardson
Chorus
Cara Broadhurst, Dilys Corlett, Rebecca Dewey, Wendy Evans,
Cameron Glass, Katie Gumbrell, Joff Hamilton,
Matt Hart, Sam Koslowski, Elisabeth Maland, Samantha Rawdon,
Helene Seddon- Glass.
Press Review
THE emotional entanglements and internal politics of a
cast rehearsing for a musical version of Shakespeare's Taming of the
Shrew, spill into theatrical drama when fact and fiction become
entwined.
This ambitious production directed by Derek Lockwood ran
very smoothly, aided by swift scene changes and clever synchronisation
of potted orchestral music by musical director, Mark Webb on the
electronic keyboard and piano.
Stephen Crompton displayed good stage presence as
Frederick and his other role of Petruchio. The famous lyric, So in
Love with You Am I brought a wave of nostalgia to the audience.
Rachel Butcher was a suitably shrewish Lilli in her lead
part of Katherine and her rendering of / Hate Men was presented
with panache.
Gangsters Gary Ellmes and Jim Robinson were one of the
highlights of the show with their comedy routine Brush Up Your
Shakespeare, while Barrie Theobald was expansively materialistic as
Kate's luckless suitor in his assured portrayal.
The Chorus were fully involved throughout in this hard
working team production.
Bron Reading Chronicle.
Patrons Review
As a frequent patron of SPT productions this was the most
successful for
some time. Director Derek Lockwood got the best out of his cast
particularly
Stephen Crompton, Rachel Butcher and Heidi Ashton, all of whose
diction was
clear and audible. Mention must also be made of the MD, Mark Webb,
Choreographer, Matt Hart and the two gangsters, Gary Ellmes and
Jim Robinson
Last but not least Pete Ashton must be applauded for his
clever folding
sets.
My only criticism is that the opening mime scene was too slow and
long, butotherwise congratulations on a slick, amusing and enjoyable show!
Stephen
Akehurst.
NODA
Review
Members
Review
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