All-male Shakespeare in Stratford just as the Bard would like it

The Festival Players’ touring production of The Taming of the Shrew arrives at the 16th- century Hall’s Croft – where Shakespeare’s eldest daughter, Susanna, and her husband, Dr John Hall – resided, on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21.

The seven-strong male company will transport the Warwickshire audience to the colourful Italian world of sunny Padua, with an energetic and inventive production centred on Shakespeare’s feisty female creation, Katharina.

But this will be a shrew with a difference – for “Kate” will be played by a man. London-based actor Scott Smith takes on the challenge of the wilful, headstrong woman, while Paul Hampton will be her madcap suitor, Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona.

Initially, Kate is an unwilling participant in the relationship, but Petruchio takes on the challenge of “taming” her and making her an obedient bride. Meanwhile, the sub-plot features a competition between the suitors of Kate’s more amiable sister, Bianca.

Directing the play is Michael Dyer, formerly of the Micack open-air theatre in Cornwall, who also takes on the role of rich nobleman Vincentio.

He said: “In Shakespeare’s day, the idea of arranged and dowried marriages was the norm, along with the idea that women were subservient to their menfolk.

“Understandably, today, we are uncomfortable with the idea of witnessing anything that might be conceived as bullying by a man to his wife, but in the 16th century, this was seen as being for the woman’s own good. I think our all-male casting goes a long way towards nullifying that taint – The Taming of the Shrew has an amazing comic plot and a wealth of colourful characters.”

The group has performed productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice and The Tempest without actresses.

Michael said: “Most people see it as an intriguing diversion from the norm. And, of course, it is totally authentic – we are following in the footsteps of Shakespeare’s own Globe Theatre when all roles were taken by men.”

Tickets to the show, which starts at 7pm on both evenings, cost £14 or £11 for students and under 18s.

The gardens will be open from 6pm for audience members wishing to bring a picnic.

Call 07880 934805, or go online.