KISS Me Kate is a play within a play ... inspired by William Shakespeare and accompanied by the words and orchestral music of the masterful Cole Porter - what more could you want?
And when in the wonderful hands of the world - famous Welsh National Opera you know this has class entertainment stamped all over it.
The WNO, in a stunning co-production with Opera North, brings Mr Cole Porter's witty words and melodies together in a production that sparkles from overture to a finale with finesse Love songs and comedy numbers go hand-in-hand and foot-to-foot thanks to individual and collective choreography - including terrific tap numbers under the dazzling direction of Will Tuckett.
This is pure West End.
Below: Jeni Bern and Quirijn de Lang in scene from 'Kiss Me Kate'
Above: Joseph Shovelton and John Savournin in scene from 'Kiss Me Kate'
It is captivating for just under three hours (fitting in 25 scene changes in two acts) and, oh, how time flies as the Bard once said.
It is set in Baltimore in the 1940s and a touring company prepare for curtain-up of their version of The Taming of the Shrew.
Backstage all is not well as the leading man a matinee styled Fred Graham playing Petruchio reflects on the recent bitter sweet divorce with his leading lady Lilli Vanesi who is his 'Shrew' Katherine.
Quirijn de Lang, Morgan Deare and Alan Burkett in scene from 'Kiss Me Kate'
The fires of love stull burn it seems but Fred is a bit of a lothario and is trying to woo impressionable Lois Lane the play's Bianca.
Fred is wongly framed as a gambler with huge debts and two heavies played by Joseph Shovekton and John Savourin enter the stage to claim their pounds of flesh, so to speak.
They are reminsicent of the great Hollywood double acts.
The likeable duo provide some great visual comedy and shine on the clever number Brush Up on Your Shakesepeare.
Quirijn de Lang and Jeni Bern in scene from 'Kiss Me Kate'
This all contributes to a delightful take on the Bard's battle of the sexes The full orchestra, under the baton of James Holmes, swing along and hit the right note every time.
Direcetor Jo Davies has the audience smiling throughout aided by designer Colin Richmind's sumptouous 70 costumes and sets notably for the Italian Renaissance scenes.
And of course there's the hits songs happily far too many to mention but highlights include So in Love, Always True To You in My Fashion, the title song and a feisty I Hate Men.
Kiss Me Kate is a triumph on all levels.
The WNO soars again.
Four stars.
The show is on until Friday.
Tickets are from the box office on 0844 871 3017
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