Kiss Me, Kate

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of WA is branching out, with their first non-G&S major production in many years, presenting the Cole Porter classic Kiss Me, Kate.

Performing with a quality 15-piece band, under the baton of pianist, conductor, musical director Micheal Brett, the principal actors are miked - unusual for G&S. The singing, as we would expect, is of a high standard.

Barry Boyd has created a two-level base set, supplemented with trucks to provide dressing room spaces for ‘actors’ Lilli and Frank. Don Allen’s lighting design is superb, and the wardrobe (under Veronica Hudson and Gail Reading) has provided a lovely selection of post-war and Elizabethan costumes.

Hayley Parker has great presence and strength in the dual roles of Lilli / Kate, nicely matched by a powerful Ian Lawrence as Fred/Petruchio.

Taylor Westland is a standout Bianca and Lois Lane, owning her scenes, and is well paired with Calen Simpson, charming as the larrikin Bill Calhoun. Nice work also from Trevor Preston, solid as Henry Trevor and Baptista.

Samuel Farr and Tracy Myhill, playing the gangsters, are clearly relishing the opportunity and have a great time singing “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”. Dressers Hattie and Paul are very efficiently played by Sarah McCabe and Ben Albert, while Rick Boyd performs well in his biggest role to date, a second act appearance as General Harrison Howell. I particularly enjoyed the efficient and essentially uncredited performance of Jennifer van den Hook as the Stage Manager.

Choreographer Chloe Walsh (with Chloe van der Beeke and Hayley Parker) gives us some of the best choreography we have seen from this company.

A solid production that did not disappoint.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Nicholas Madeley