The Taming of the Shrew

Why see The Taming of the Shrew?

The flamboyant Petruchio wins the unruly Kate's hand in marriage. Will his unconventional methods succeed in curing her temper and scolding tongue? Shakespeare explores the sexual politics of marriage in one of his earliest and most controversial comedies.

Michelle Gomez joins the RSC for the first time to play Kate. She is perhaps best known for her role in the Channel 4 comedy Green Wing, while her most recent stage appearance was in the acclaimed West End production of Boeing Boeing at The Comedy Theatre. Stephen Boxer returns to the company to play Petruchio, having last appeared with the RSC in the 1999 production of Bartholomew Fair. His other RSC credits include the role of Angelo in Michael Boyd's 1998 production of Measure for Measure, whilst his many television credits include his current role as Dr Joe Fenton in BBC1's Doctors.

The Taming of the Shrew is directed by Conall Morrison, whose production of Macbeth played in the Swan Theatre in 2007. Conall is an Associate Artist of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin where his productions include The Bacchae of Baghdad, Hamlet and his own adaptation of Patrick Kavanagh's Tarry Flynn. He also recently directed La Traviata for the ENO at the Coliseum in London.

Key Information

Audience

The Taming of the Shrew is suitable for audiences aged 14 an upwards, please note this production contains sexual references.

Run Time

3 hours an 20 minutes including one 20 minute intermission.

Dates

Finished 7 Mar 2009

Cast

Michelle Gomez as Kate
Arsher Ali as 1st Huntsman
Jade Anouka as 4th Servant
Will Beck as Grumio
Stephen Boxer as Petruchio
Keir Charles as Tranio
John Paul Connolly as Tailor
Simon Darwen as 3rd Servant
Adrian Decosta as 2nd Huntsman
Leonard Fenton as Vincentio
James Garnon as Curtis
Amanda Hadingue as Lady/Widow
David Hargreaves as Baptista
Amara Karan as Bianca
Sean Kearns as Hortensio
Jack Laskey as Biondello
Patrick Moy as Lucentio
Will Sharpe as Bartholomew (Page)
Peter Shorey as Gremio
Larrington Walker as Pedant

Creative

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Conall Morrison
Set Design by Francis O'connor
Costume Design by Joan O'clery
Lighting Design by Paul Keogan
Music by Conor Lineham
Sound Design by Mike Compton
Movement, Joyce Henderson
Fight Director, Malcolm Ranson

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