Olivier Award nominee and What’s On Stage Award winner Nigel Lindsay (Victoria / Shrek The Musical) and What’s On Stage Award winner Hammed Animashaun (A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Black Ops) are set to take on the roles of the uproarious gangsters who sing in Cole Porter’s classic musical comedy KISS ME, KATE for a strictly limited 15-week season at the Barbican Theatre from 4 June.
They will join multi-award-winning actor Adrian Dunbar, making his musical theatre debut and Tony Award winner and Broadway Royalty Stephanie J. Block, making her West End debut alongside recently announced Olivier nominee Charlie Stemp (Crazy For You, Mary Poppins) and rising star Georgina Onuorah (The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma!). Certain to steal the show in true criminal fashion, Lindsay and Animashaun will be bringing their razor-sharp wit to the Barbican stage, promising a performance that will leave audiences roaring with laughter and begging for more.
Nigel Lindsay said: “Kiss Me Kate is one of my favourite musicals. Bart Sher is a world class director and the cast he has assembled will rock the house. I am excited to be joining the team.”
Hammed Animashaun said: “I’m very, very excited to be a part of this production and company! And I can’t wait to get stuck in and brush up everyone’s Shakespeare!”
Producer Howard Panter said: “I’m thrilled that Nigel Lindsay and Hammed Animashaun will be joining the cast of KISS ME, KATE. Nigel and Hammed are an absolute dream team. Their undeniable chemistry and comedic timing is sure to bring a fresh, hilarious energy to the roles of the gangsters. KISS ME, KATE is the perfect treat for London audiences – a show that promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for the whole family this summer”.
One of the all-time classic musical comedy farces, KISS ME, KATE is making a long-awaited return to the London stage. From the producer of the smash hit musical Anything Goes and A Strange Loop (both staged at the Barbican), this majestic production of Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece is set dazzle West End audiences once again this summer.
Directed by Bartlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific and To Kill A Mockingbird), this all-star creative team have collectively won a remarkable 20 Tony awards between them. Joining the dynamic creative team is renowned choreographer Anthony Van Laast, accomplished costume designer Catherine Zuber and leading set designer Michael Yeargan. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by Bella & Samuel Spewack, this new production, promises a symphony of wit, charm and musical brilliance. With a company of over 50, including a full-scale orchestra, and featuring Cole Porter classics such as ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ and ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’ KISS ME, KATE is the perfect musical spectacle for 2024.
