Theatre & Listings

SHREWD WORK AT THE GLOBE

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11 July 2012

By Dan Martin

The charms of watching a performance at the Globe never fail to wane.

In this splendid Elizabethan setting Tudor minstrels play as seats are taken. With a glass of wine to hand and useful cushion for comfort we prepare in anticipation for director Toby Frow’s version of this famous sixteenth century play.

After the Minstrels disperse through a stage door, Shakespeare’s ‘The taming of the shrew’ begins. Set in Padua, Italy, rich gentleman Baptista is determined to find suitors for his two daughters: Bianca his ‘favourite’ and the ‘highly strung’ Katherina.

The story follows with resourceful bachelor Petruchio seeking a wealthy wife, and undaunted by his knowledge of Katherina’s shrewish reputation he decides to woo her. Katherina: If I be waspish, best beware my sting. Petruchio: My remedy is then to pluck it out.

Macs and raincoats appeared as the rain came down during the second half, which only added to the spectacle. The actors, on occasion, used the audience as an extension of the stage, walking through a sea of people as they travel through scenes.

On one occasion an actor climbed onto the balcony above the surprised onlookers, to address the performers on the stage. The kicking of a bucket by Petruchio’s servant each time he speaks of the death of his father, the throwing of meat and vegetables at the house servants at the start of the second act and of course Katherina’s ravings throughout the play are hugely entertaining and laughable moments.

All in all it’s a Shakespearean experience for all to admire and a thoroughly enjoyable play.

Shakespeare’s Globe,
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside,
London?SE1 9DT On until 13th
October Box office: 20 7401 9919
www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/box-office
The Box Office is also
open before each event
Tickets: £5,
£15, £27, £39

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