'The Taming of the Shrew' may not be one of my favourite plays of one of the greatest, most important and most influential playwrights who ever lived. It however has always been incredibly entertaining and charming and Katherina and Petruchio are fascinatingly written characters. It was dismissed as misogynistic at the time and still is controversial on that front, but the characterisation, entertainment value and Shakespeare's mastery of language (especially shining in the taming process) really shine.
Although the best known version of 'The Taming of the Shrew' is the Franco Zeffirelli film, there is actually a preference for the BBC Television Shakespeare and especially the 1976 productions. Royal Shakespeare Company also give it a good bash in this 2019 production. Conceptually, it really does stand out from the rest (though it won't work for all) that it clearly has fun with, not feeling overplayed or under-explored. It, meaning there is a lot of gender reversal, is also a conceit that was done in a lot of recent Royal Shakespeare Company productions and generally didn't work, but surprisingly this production of 'The Taming of the Shrew' does it better than most.
Shall start with what is good, which is a lot and in a way that vastly outweigh the negatives. It is a beautifully designed production, with a lot of vibrancy in the settings and tasteful costuming. Never looking too conservative or too garish. The intimacy of the photography helps make one appreciate every visual detail and it was, like other live theatre (opera and ballet too) productions, like being there but at a more accessible location and price. Also loved the energetic and atmospheric music that was a unique mix of rock and renaissance. As to be expected, Shakespeare's writing, with such gorgeous text and a wide range of emotions, sparkles.
Moreover, the comedy is played to the hilt and is always very amusing to hilarious. This 'The Taming of the Shrew' makes the absolute most of its unique (for the play that is) and brave concept, it doesn't get over-worked to the point that it becomes vulgar and thanks to the meaty characterisation of Petrucchio (in one of the company's most successful and most interesting gender reversals) it is not played too safe either. The story is full of energy and zest, it does make one feel uncomfortable initially (not inappropriate though) but it doesn't feel overdone.
Had no issues with the cast either, with the standout being an absolutely delightful Claire Price, whose personality is rich and huge but not in a way that unbalances the rest of the production. Sophie Stanton is also often hilarious as Gremia and doesn't resort to mugging. Joseph Arkley has a very challenging role (one of Shakespeare's most challenging perhaps and one of the reasons as to why the play is controversial), he plays it with more subtlety to what one typically expects from Katherine but he isn't bland and doesn't underplay the shrewishness.
On the other, this 'The Taming of the Shrew' is not perfect. The suitors' subplot is a bit too dragged out. The male roles are somewhat thinly sketched.
Did feel as well that a lot more could have been done with the darker elements of the play, that was lost somewhat amidst the strong emphasis on the comedy.
Enjoyable production though on the whole. Definitely different and in a mostly good way. 7/10.
