Shakespeare’s shrew is far from tame

FOR anyone who knows the story of The Taming of the Shrew, it is not one of the nicer Shakespeare tales - the story of a spirited, independent woman in an age when such behaviour was not tolerated in women, who slowly and methodically has her will broken .

Trying to find a new and engaging way to take on any Shakespeare play is always difficult, but the RSC managed it with a bold and daring approach that paid off in spectacular fashion.

Director Lucy Bailey sets the play in 1940s Italy on a huge bed, which becomes the stage for pillow fights, drunken brawls, and intermittent moments of farce and music.

From the off we are thrown into uncertainty as our expectations of Shakespeare are stretched with the appearance of the obese, heavily tattooed and very drunk Christopher Sly, played by Nick Holder, is thrown out of a bar. He is then tricked into believing he is a lord and proceeds to watch the play of Petruchio courting, and psychologically breaking, Katharina.

Lisa Dillon plays a haunted, alcoholic ‘shrew’ Katharina who is on the verge of mental breakdown. A woman ahead of her time, she doesn’t know how to deal with the teeth-gratingly frustrating limitations of her time, by men who are determined to make her decisions for her.

David Caves is spectacular as Petruchio, playing him with a cocky arrogance, and despite the unpleasantness of what he is doing, he somehow still feels very likeable. The chemistry between Caves and Dillon is electric, and transports the play to a whole new level. For a three hour production, I didn’t once look at the time - they were captivating.

My only concern in the play was that the transformation of Katharina from outspoken extrovert to obedient wife felt like it took a sudden leap at the end, almost as if in a rush to get to the end of the play.

But the whole cast was exceptional, as is always the case with an RSC production, and I applaud Bailey for her innovative approach to a classic play.

The Taming of the Shrew is not a ‘nice’ story, but the production is of such quality it breathes life into not just the main story, but also the sub plots and fringe characters.

Jamie Smith

Verdict: Captivating