Goulburn’s Argyle Society’s production current production is a revival of the classic 1948 New York musical ‘Kiss Me Kate’, written by Bella and Samuel Spewack with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

‘Kiss Me Kate’ is about the soap operatic goings on in the lives of a theatrical troupe putting on a production of the Bard’s great comedy, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. The action toggles between the cast’s dramas behind the curtain and the comic action they provide in front of the curtain.

The Argyle Society came up with a colourful, high spirited production. The show featured two impressive performances by the leads who were both in good voice; Argyle Society stalwart, Jane Collings- Jardine in the dual roles of Lilli Vanessi and Kate, and Richard Orchard, in only his second performance for the Company, as Fred Graham/Petruchio.

They were helped by a strong supporting cast. Steve Routley was an audience favourite with a charismatic, livewire performance as one of the show’s heavies, and, as well, two young performers shone, Michaela Boerma as the more temperate Bianca/ Lois Lane, and Seb Scott as her charming suitor, Lucentio/Bill Calhoun.

The cast was backed by a small but fine sounding ensemble of two pianos, flute, saxophone, clarinet and bass under the direction of John Buckley.

Len Robinson’s conventional set was effective, and he also lit the stage well, especially in the big show numbers, with the use of a strong spotlight directed from the back of the theatre.

Go along to the show and you’ll enjoy some of Cole Porter most winning show tunes including ‘Wunderbar’, ‘So in love’ and ‘Always True to You in my Fashion’.

A good night at the theatre, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ is playing the Kenmore Theatre, Taralga Road, Goulburn until Saturday 5th July.