The Stage

The Taming of the Shrew

Published Friday 12 June 2009 at 12:10 by Mike Martin

A beautiful outdoor setting on a fine summer’s evening. What better platform could there be for the staging of one of the Bard’s classics?

Indeed, the Rain or Shine Theatre Company excels in achieving a perfect atmosphere. Complementing the original text with welcome modern elements, including several musical interludes in which the cast displays simple yet effective instrumental skills, this is a light-hearted romp.

Long considered controversial to enlightened audiences, the essential theme of male domination is played out good-naturedly with a heavy dose of irony.

James Reynard and Charlotte Kingsford are faultless as the warring couple, Petruchio and Katharina. Their well choreographed verbal and physical sparring is a joy to watch - two fiery personalities clashing without quarter. Although Petruchio ultimately tames his shrew, she somehow maintains her spirit, even when delivering the famous end speech of subjugation. In essence demeaning to modern women, these words are spoken with a subtle skill by Kingsford which leaves one feeling that Petruchio will have his work cut out yet.

Lively and enthusiastic performances abound from all the cast, with comical set-pieces superbly handled, notably by Craig Rogers and Rob Leetham. Rogers, particularly, is blessed with warmly expressive features.

Most of the performers play dual roles, but the action is slick and well timed. Pippa Meekings can portray an alluring Bianca as well as a streetwise lad, a guise in which she carries off a tongue-twisting, rapid-fire monologue.

Another clever example of how Shakespeare’s works, when intelligently interpreted, can display numerous levels of depth.