Line of Duty legend is worlds away from BBC thriller as he fronts brand new show – and it’s just months away
LINE of Duty legend and multi-award-winning Irish actor, director and singer Adrian Dunbar will be starring in an upcoming musical comedy.
The 65-year-old will be performing at the London Barbican Theatre in the all-time classic Kiss Me Kate, from the producer of the smash hit musical Anything Goes and A Strange Loop.
Adrian, known for playing Superintendent Ted Hastings in the BBC's Line of Duty, will be making his theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio in Kiss Me Kate.
The theatre production will be premiering at the Barbican Theatre from June 4 until 14 September 14, with press night on June 18.
Kiss Me Kate promises catchy songs, witty humour, and a showcase of the complexities of theatre and human relationships.
Starring alongside the Ridley star is Broadway musical superstar and Tony Award winner Stephanie J Block, who will be making her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine.
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The classical musical entwines a backstage drama with Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and follows the intense and captivating relationship between divorced Fred and Lilli.
The couple’s conflicts will unfold on stage, leading to comedic chaos that explores themes of love, jealousy, and reconciliation.
Adrian Dunbar said: “I’m so delighted to be returning to the stage this summer to my spiritual home at the Barbican - where I started my career at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama - especially in this Cole Porter classic with the wonderful creative team including Bart Sher and Stephanie J. Block. Summer 2024 just got a lot brighter!”
Adrian is also a Theatre director and has staged productions for the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival and a critically acclaimed production of Philadelphia Here I Come.
Speaking about the upcoming show, Stephanie said: "Look... when asked to bring a Cole Porter classic to the Barbican stage under the care and vision of Bart Sher, one must say yes!
“There are so many 'firsts' to this opportunity, and at this stage of my career, 'firsts' are not the norm.
“How wonderfully scary and challenging and THRILLING. I cannot wait to dive into this timeless classic and put a fresh stamp on it alongside the incredible Adrian Dunbar. Mark my words, this Kiss Me, Kate will most definitely not be just 'another openin', another show'."
Producer Howard Panter added: “I’m delighted to be working with Adrian, Stephanie and Bart to bring this classic, hilarious golden-age musical comedy to the Barbican this summer.
“Cole Porter’s timeless masterpiece has everything you want: it’s fun, infectious and pure entertainment.
“This, like Anything Goes, will be the perfect summer treat for London audiences this year.”
It was revealed last year that the star, who plays Superintendent Ted Hastings in ITV’s Ridley, is set to return as the lead in a second series of the detective show.
Season one of the series was ITV's fourth biggest drama launch of 2022.
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The premiere reached 7.1 million viewers, and the series average settled at a steady 6.3 million.
Kiss Me Kate will be premiering at the Barbican Theatre from June 4 until 14 September 14, with tickets going live on January 19.
