Kiss Me Kate, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

But it wasn't the long awaited sunshine that sent the thermometer soaring - it was a production of Kiss Me Kate at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn last night.

And boy that show is just darn hot!

The production – Shakespeare meets Cole Porter – was superbly delivered by Shrewsbury amateur dramatics company – Mad Cow Productions.

But there is absolutely nothing amateur about this latest offering from their rather talented 'herd' of actors.

A stunning show from start to finish - mooo-ve over Broadway. Fabulous costumes, brilliant scenery, superb music and a rather fine cast.

Jemma Game as movie diva Lilli Vanessi is wonderfully cast. A showstopper, her performance was flawless, her voice note perfect.

Her theatre notes say that she hopes one day to make it to the 'big stage' - well this performance should be her ticket.

Her leading man is her real life leading man - James Pinches. And wow what a team. Brilliant stage chemistry.

He was wonderful as Frederick Graham, Lilli's ex husband/director/actor.

Look out for gangsters Robert Hinton and James Archer as the 1st man and 2nd man – almost stealing the limelight.

It is also hard to believe that some were making their debut on the stage last night. Ryan Brown as Bill Calhoun and Richard Taylor as Baptista are excellent.

But all credit to producers Alex Hinton and Lisa Lowarch, founders of Mad Cow Productions.

This show is slick and its musical theatre at its best. I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

This was truly the best amateur production I have seen in years. If not the best. Phew

Claire Dunn