In the list of all-time great musical comedies, this comes pretty near the top and inevitably it reappears in London every decade or so. However it is hard to imagine that it has ever been done better than in this wonderful production directed by Trevor Nunn. In an impeccable cast, Hannah Waddingham is outstanding as “the shrew”‘ spitting out “I Hate Men” with real venom, Alex Bourne is excellent as her ex-husband, Holly Dale Spencer makes a delightful dim-witted starlet, partnered by Adam Garcia who “can’t behave” but dances like a dream. In support, David Burt and Clive Rowe stop the show with “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” and Jason Pennycooke opens Act II with “Too Darn Hot”‘ leading a spectacular song and dance routine that brings the audience to its feet. Cole Porter’s glorious songs are too many to mention and the book is bubbling with wit. Brisk direction, dazzling choreography, there is absolutely nothing to fault. Blissful!
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