Reader Reviews
The Taming of the Shrew (Open Air Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Perhaps Taming of the Shrew could only have been written by a writer who chose to live away from his wife and family as Shakespeare apparently did. It also takes a very brave director to mount a production without any concession to 21st century values. Here Petruchio is allowed to swagger with almost unchecked misogyny and it is quite uncomfortable to watch Kate's transformation to submissive and compliant wife. Despite those reservations this is a delightful production, well acted and frequently very funny indeed. This also benefits from exceptionally clear verse speaking making it one of the most comprehensible Shakespeare's I have seen. Not quite perfect perhaps but a wonderful production and ideal for the outdoors setting of the park. - 62.6.139.13) | 01 Sep 06 |
| This production made me wonder, is there any need for this so called director's theatre. Countless times theatregoers have encountered Hamlet set in a public toilet to highlight the claustrophobia of his psychology or Macbeth set in the year 5000 for no apparent reason, just that the director with acne thought it would be a clever idea. If you want to see a production that is to the point, clear and simply tells a good story then go and see this. It is wonderfully directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and there is not a weak link in the cast, you can also get pleasently pissed on your bottle of Rose in the sunshine, what more can you want? - 80.225.112.151) | 31 Aug 06 |
| Saw it last Saturday. Wind, rain and cold could not mar our enjoyment nor did it deter the company one iota. Went with friends with some reluctance as usually find the tamed shrew very sad. However, this production gets round that and fills one with genuine joy at the end. For the first time ever with this play I felt I was watching a true love story. Beautiful set, good costumes etc. Do go. - 194.217.194.138) | 14 Aug 06 |
| Somehow there's always a slight dread about going to see a production of 'Taming of the Shrew'. What's going to be the line forced on it this time? How will the actress playing Kate try to undercut that problematic long speech of capitulation? This production though, is irresistible. The sexy italian setting, the action played outside the Baptista family house on a cafe terrace area. Excellent ensemble acting, with a deeply felt connection between Petruchio (John Hodgkinson) and Kate (scrumptious Sirine Saba) that enables both to pick their way through a kind of mutual surrender. Here's a recently bereaved Petruchio who needs this emotional connection, as the cold blue light of his household suggests. While he doesn't duck the mercenary aspect of marrying a rich woman, you feel that he makes discoveries along with Katherine. I resisted this line to begin with but found myself ambushed by the glorious, moving conclusion. Wonderful work from the whole cast, with loud generous performances that are packed with lovely detail and wit - not an easy feat for open air playing. Yes, I missed the (cut) Christopher Sly story, and it's still impossible to sort out all the male names ending in "io". That aside, five stars and plenty of sparklers for this celebratory production. Go see it. - 82.44.76.139) | 12 Aug 06 |
| Excellent production, in the ideal setting of the Open Air Theatre. Very impressive stage-set, which is used effectively to add to the impact of various exits and entrances. Superb acting from a well-chosen cast, who complement each other well, as they portray anger, frustration, comedy and eventually love. Sheridan Smith as Bianca, is particularly convincing as the younger, prettier, father's favourite, bullied by her sibling, but starting to turn into a 'shrew' herself, after her marriage! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys 'The Taming....', and I shall go and see it again this Summer. - 84.69.16.240) | 12 Jun 06 |
