When Petruchio takes a bet that he can marry and tame the notorious “shrew”, Kate, he finds that he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Sparks fly when the couple meet and the ensuing struggle for supremacy is fast and furious.
Today, “The Taming of the Shrew” is one of Shakespeare’s most controversial comedies and so, apparently, it was at the time of writing. His contemporary, John Fletcher, wrote a sequel to Shakespeare’s play – “The Tamer Tamed” - which gives a voice to the women of the story and affords them the chance to fight back. Read more …
As part of our “Writing the Renaissance” series, this new adaptation brings both plays together to explore Shakespeare’s original story and his fellow playwright’s response to it in the ultimate battles of the sexes!
This opening production of the 2017 season doesn’t quite capitalise on its undeniable curiosity value.
The story finally reaches a thoroughly satisfying conclusion; although if it were to do it 20 minutes earlier, I suspect the audience would be warmer, happier, and more satisfied still.
In the end, however, neither the defective set, the Glaswegian summer nor the reprobate tipplers could spoil what is an interesting and entertaining approach to the Bard’s woman-hating comedy.
Bard in the Botanics, Glasgow from Wednesday June 21, 2017, until Saturday July 8, 2017. More info: http://www.bardinthebotanics.co.uk
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