THEATRE REVIEWS

Let's face it, sometimes Shakespeare can be a bit like muesli — wholesome, weighty, but not necessarily the most exciting option. So I was delighted to see that Anne Tipton's production of Taming of the Shrew is a gorgeous feast of a piece. Luscious lighting, a richly elegant set and exuberant music all combine to make this piece a sensory delight; and that's without even mentioning the stellar cast who turn this comedy into a wonderful romp.

The story is that of Kate, played by Flora Montgomery, a sharp tongued harpy whose viciousness has deterred any suitor until Petrucio arrives and falls in love with her hefty dowry. He sets out to take her for his wife, freeing Kate's younger sister Bianca to take the pick of her many suitors. As Kate is sour and angry, Bianca is cloyingly sweet and the two women deliver performances that counterpoint each other well.

The numerous male characters — servants, fathers and would-be suitors — all deliver accomplished performances, and the humour comes across very well. I can not remember the last time when a Shakespeare production made me laugh so much, and the rest of the audience reacted equally positively. Samual Roukin as Tranio is worth particular mention. Roukin's performance is wonderfully physical and his perfect timing makes every minute of his stage time enjoyable. I expect to see much more of him in future.

However, despite the great efforts from everyone involved, I found Acts IV and V hard to swallow. The central message of the play is that woman should be subservient to her husband, as head of the household. As Kate is unruly, Petrucio's task is to tame her, which he does through starvation and psychological torment, until she breaks and acquiesces to his every whim. Richard Dillane as Petrucio is both charming and a bully, but this cannot detract from the fact that the play advocates complete female submission — so, not one for the feminists among us then.

Nevertheless, gender politics aside, the cast give an incredibly energetic and engaging performance, and the entire production is slick and a delicious treat. Just make sure you leave the man in your life at home. © KA

“Taming of the Shrew” is in Bristol on the 28th April until the 27th of May, 2006.

Is there an Air Conditioning certificate prominently displayed in your theatre foyer stating the date of manufacture of the appliance and when the system was last inspected and serviced - if not, complain to the theatre management.