Despite The Taming of the Shrew being one of William Shakespeare’s notoriously dubious plays, the art it has since inspired is undoubtedly brilliant. Of course, there was the classic 1999 romcom 10 Things I Hate About You, and the remarkable 1948 musical Kiss Me, Kate. The latter of which was done justice through a stunning performance from Edinburgh University Footlights for their main term show, directed by William Freebairn.
Kiss Me, Kate is a musical about a divorced theatrical couple starring in a production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, with the onstage battles mirroring their offstage romantic tension. The play’s opening number ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’ immediately sets the bar high with a cohesive and compelling routine from the whole ensemble, delivered with contagious enthusiasm from each cast member with this energy skilfully maintained throughout. The chemistry of the two protagonists — Lilli Vanessi (Nina Birbeck) and Fred Graham (Ewan Robertson) — is palpable, especially in their duet ‘Wunderbar’. Birbeck’s characterisation of Lilli is enthralling to watch, with her delicate interweaving of poise and wit beautifully embodying a protagonist who is just as vulnerable as she is commanding. This is complemented by Robertson’s confident interpretation of Fred, delivering both his comic bluster and romantic songs with equal conviction.
Another stand-out performance is Elham Khosravipour’s Lois Lane, who flawlessly captures the essence of a vivacious showgirl who cheerfully juggles multiple admirers with little concern for consequences or loyalty. The highlight of a number ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ consists of both hilarious, laugh-out-loud choreography, and exhibits Khosravipour’s talent.
Another magnetic, comedic force is Gangster 1 (Bella Cripwell) and Gangster 2 (Christiana Doe), who as a dynamic duo landed each punchline time and time again. Their repeated shuffling onto stage with a trapped Lilli stuck and locked in between them was hysterical, and their performance of ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ earned many a laugh from the audience.
The set is remarkably well done, with seamless transitions enacted by the actors. The split-stage of the dressing room simultaneously divides and unites Lilli and Fred, and the balcony showcases changing dynamics between characters. The meta setting of the theatre is also further subtly compounded by posters of upcoming or ongoing student shows such as the EUSC’s Romeo and Juliet and EUTC’s Metamorphoses in the background — Edinburgh theatre’s own crossover episode.
Footlights’ Kiss Me, Kate is polished and well-paced, without compromising the natural vivacity and charm that musical theatre is supposed to hold. It can go without saying that it lives up to — and exceeds — expectations.
Image by Andrew Morris, provided as press material.