Wunderbar – All Souls’ Amateur Operatic Society brings musical Kiss Me, Kate to the Halifax Playhouse

Featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter, the award-winning musical is widely regarded as one of the great classics of the stage.

First performed on Broadway in 1948, the show has delighted audiences around the world with its sparkling score, witty dialogue and energetic dance numbers.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the story follows a theatre company staging a musical version of the play.

As the production unfolds, the fiery relationship between the two leading actors begins to mirror that of the characters they portray on stage, leading to comic chaos both backstage and in the performance itself.

The Halifax production is directed by Graham Weston, with Colin Akers as musical director and choreography by Miss Stacey’s School of Dance.

Taking the lead roles are Amy Ellison as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine and Mark Hutchinson as Fred Graham/Petruchio, the former married couple whose on-stage and off-stage rivalry drives much of the show’s humour and drama

Other principal roles include Helen Burton as Lois Lane/Bianca, Paul Richmond as Bill Calhoun/Lucentio, Richard Farrar as Harry Trevor/Baptista, and Chris Pilgrim as Gremio/Mack, supported by a lively ensemble cast.

Mark said: “Kiss Me, Kate is a fantastic musical. Cole Porter’s music is brilliant and the characters are great fun to play.

“The relationship between Fred and Lilli is full of humour, conflict and warmth, which makes it a really rewarding show to perform.”

Rehearsals have been underway for several months as cast, musicians and backstage team prepare to bring the musical to life on the Halifax stage.

Graham said: “Kiss Me, Kate is full of energy and humour and Cole Porter’s music is simply wonderful.

“The cast have been working incredibly hard and it’s exciting to see the production coming together in rehearsals.”

Packed with memorable songs, the musical includes many of Porter’s best-known numbers, including “Another Op’nin’”, “Wunderbar”, “So In Love”, “Too Darn Hot” and the comic favourite “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”.

Behind the scenes, a team has been creating costumes, scenery and lighting to transform the Halifax Playhouse stage into the lively world of theatre.

The production marks the 63rd show presented by All Souls’ Amateur Operatic Society, which has been entertaining Halifax audiences with musical theatre for many decades.

Chairwoman Amy Ellison said: “Kiss Me, Kate is a real celebration of theatre. It has wonderful music, great characters and lots of humour. Everyone involved has put in an enormous amount of work and we’re looking forward to welcoming audiences to the Halifax Playhouse.”

“Kiss Me, Kate” runs at the Halifax Playhouse from Wednesday, March 25 to Sunday, March 29. Performances are Wednesday to Friday at 7.15pm and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2.15pm.

Tickets are available through the Halifax Playhouse box office on 01422 365998, text or Whatsapp to 07784 296340 or online at www.halifaxplayhouse.org.uk and email [email protected]