FINAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR KISS ME, KATE

Further casting has been announced for one of the all-time classic musical comedies, Kiss Me, Kate, which is making a long awaited return to the London stage this summer for a strictly limited 15-week run from 4 June until 14 September at the Barbican Theatre.

Joining the star-studded line-up for this summer’s blockbuster is a talented cast of actors with a wealth of West End credits. The role of Hattie will be played by Josie Benson, Paul will be played by Jack Butterworth and the role of Harry Trevor/Baptista will be played by Jude Owusu. Hortensio/Ensemble will be played by Carl Au, Gremio/Ensemble will be played by Jordan Crouch, Ralph/Ensemble will be played by Gary Milner and the role of Pops/Ensemble will be played by James Hume. The full ensemble comprises, Alisha Capon, Shani Cantor, Maya de Faria, Amelia Kinu Muus, Jacqui Jameson, Lucas Koch, Alex Lodge, Nell Martin, Anna McGarahan, John Stacey and Harrison Wilde. Swings are Robin Kent, Barry Drummond, Emily Goodenough and Maddie Harper.

Kiss Me, Kate will star the multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar (Ridley, Line of Duty) making his musical theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio and Broadway musical superstar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block (Into The Woods, The Cher Show, 9 To 5) making her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine.

They star alongside Charlie Stemp (Crazy For You, Mary Poppins), playing Bill Calhoun and rising star Georgina Onuorah (The Wizard of Oz / Oklahoma!) who will play 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 recently announced acting legend Peter Davison (Dr Who / All Creatures Great and Small) will take on the role of the General in this highly anticipated show of the summer.

Producer Howard Panter said: “I am thrilled we have brought together an exceptional ensemble of actors to complete the stellar cast for this summer’s hottest musical. With some of the finest talent from the West End, they will undoubtedly bring immense joy to Barbican audiences. Plus, a full-scale orchestra performing Cole Porter’s sensational classics and incredible choreography, Kiss Me, Kate promises to be an absolute treat!”

JUST IMAGINE

All may be quiet in Panto Land, but behind the scenes at Imagine Theatre it’s business as usual and full steam ahead as the team plan for this year’s star-studded season.

Tune in to the latest podcasts Just Imagine to find out what’s going on! Forthcoming episodes include:

• Episode 76 – available now – Springtime at Imagine Theatre

We are already a third of the way through the year and this week on the podcast Sarah and Steve talk to Martin about where Imagine are in the panto process at the moment.

New set and costume designs are underway for the three brand news shows being created this year. This includes planning for the team to produce panto in a circus tent for the first time this year with a brand new show and the steps involved in bringing that to life.

They discuss how Imagine is integrating with parent company Trafalgar Entertainment as well as producing the first panto in the brand new Fareham Live Theatre. They also touch on the forthcoming Junior Ensemble auditions, their pre-school Santa shows and the exciting opportunities available for careers in stage management and wardrobe.

• Episode 77 – released 26^th April – A focus on the Title ‘Snow White’
• Episode 78 – released 10^th May – What they do – the role of the lighting designer.