Reader Reviews
The Tamer Tamed (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Greg Doran is to be congratulated for unearthing this piece which works brilliantly as a "sequal" to The Shrew, yet while the play certainly has its moments, it suffers from "not being Shakespeare". There is humour there aplenty, but it is often crude and obvious (and no less funny for that) but it lacks the psychological depths of Shakespeare's characterisation. That has an impact on both the audience and the cast as Gilbreath and Britton (both excellent in The Shrew) fail to command the stage in quite the same way - which is a pity. Chirstopher Godwin's deliciious Gremio is as fine as before - it is hard to imagine this role has ever been played better - and Naomi Frederick is quite wonderful, confirming the promise of her Celia in As You Like It with exquisite timing. The scenes with Frederick and Godwin are a pure joy. The "Let it Come" song is also worth praise. An enjoyable evening, yet it never grabs you as the same director's Shrew does. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.107.234.24) | 01 Sep 03 |
| One of the best things I've seen at the Swan - absolutely hilarious. Superb performances from the leads, and Naomi Frederick is a star of the future - a lovely comedienne. I must admit that I preferred "Tamer" to Shakespeare's original "Shrew" at the RST, which seemed awfully long with many arid stretches. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.164) | 16 Aug 03 |
