The Taming of the Shrew…or is it? Come to the grounds of Northwood House this June (bring a picnic) and find out as we at Ad Lib bring you our latest Shakespeare producton on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June at 6pm with a Sunday matinee at 2.30pm on the 16th.

After the success of our recent Shakespeare plays at Northwood, each one sold out and receiving incredibly positive feedback, we felt up for a challenge – and The Taming of the Shrew is certainly a challenge!

Most productions show Katherine, the ‘shrew’ of the title, cruelly ‘tamed’ by husband Petruchio until she appears to believe that all women should do exactly as their husband bids…..not a sentiment we would share nowadays, and considering so many of his feisty female characters, not a belief Shakespeare seems to have upheld, at least in his maturity. We have looked deeper into the characters and what we found may surprise you – it will certainly entertain you – apart from all else it is hilarious!

The subplot is often forgotten – but the battle to gain the hand of Katherine’s quiet and meek (or is she??) sister Bianca involves Lucentio posing as Cambio, Tranio pretending to be Lucentio, Hortensio becoming Litio and a random merchant posing as Vincentio – until the real Vincentio shows up. All of which makes for lots of farcical confusion and fun.

As for our main characters: why is Katherine so quick-tempered? Why is Petruchio really looking for a wife? Is he habitually a cruel man? What is the real basis of their relationship? And why is Christopher Sly (often edited out in modern productions) an important character? Is Bianca actually the sweet, mild daughter her mother thinks she is? Do any of the couples – or would-be couples – actually share a genuine love for each other? Indeed, is marriage about love…or money?

And who are actually the most realistic and engaging characters?

Our answers are to be found in the new Ad Lib open air production of ‘Taming of the Shrew at Northwood House on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June. Come along, bring a picnic and share some top quality entertainment in a play that will make you laugh a lot…and give you plenty to think about. Tickets are available now from Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” (Outdoor Theatre) – Northwood House