The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew

Summer hails the return of CATS annual Shakespearean production. Always a very worthy addition to the District three thespian calendar.               

Director Jason Greenwood states in the programme, in choosing The Taming of the Shrew, one of the Bard’s more contentious works, with its strong themes of abuse, misogyny, with little or no directions to aid the cast or director, it is purely down to their interpretation, good or bad.

Certainly, with his direction of CATS production they visualised a delightfully tongue in cheek subtly nuanced comedy, an overt slightly dark production. Treating the audience to a very impressive, very physical, polished performance from all involved in the play. Impressive casting throughout. 

Portrayed as a story of awakening and awareness. Is Katherina a shrew? Maybe, or is it that her previous suitors continually failed to attain her high standards. Petruchio, be he an obsessively swaggering bully, or is he truly enraptured by the challenge to all that is Kate, yearning to prove himself her equal and therefore worthy of her love?

The sheer presence Miriam Lucy as Katherina and Dan Ede Smith as Petruchio brought to the stage embroiling us in their multifaceted relationship was palpable. Very well observed

This extremely capable and versatile cast, playing multiple roles, brought the mischief and merriment at Christopher Sly’s expense, portrayed by Jason Greenwood, with their staging of a play for his delectation. 

All the cast were excellent. However, I must also mention the battered physicality of Rick Hermolle; as Officer/Page; Zach Bethell as the loathsome manipulative Gremio; Samantha Hughes-Johnson as Baptista Minola.

A simple set, played in the round, under the canopy of a marquee lining, a lovely touch eluding to their previous under canvas outdoor Shakespearian productions, a venue change forced upon them, they rose to the challenge, transforming a school gymnasium.

Set in modernish times, with modern music. The wedding party at the end of Act II had all of us up dancing along with cast and crew, all good fun

Intrigue upon intrigue, subterfuge upon subterfuge, deception upon deception, this builds and twists, wrapping layer after layer of comic humour. Ultimately a tale of love, obedience, and honour. Thoroughly entertaining, truly excellent.

 

 

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