Returning for the eighth year in London's finest green spaces, Shakespeare in the Squares brings its witty production of The Taming of the Shrew. Shakespeare in the Squares is a non-profit touring theatre company; they stage a Shakespeare play in garden squares for one night in each venue across London every summer.
The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy battle of wits and romance. This play, directed by Toby Gordan, follows the beautiful Bianca (Nikita Johal), who is highly sought but cannot marry until a husband is found for her older, more brash sister Katherina (Sasha Wilson). There are two interwoven plots, one involving Petruchio (Roddy Lynch), who wants to 'tame' Katherine through control. The other plot follows Lucentio (Paddy Duff), who, while infatuated with Bianca and uses disguises to trick and woo, cannot court her until Katherine marries. The men in Padua are scared by Katherina and as such, romance for both sisters sit at a standstill. With the arrival of these new men in the city, the situation, however, changes for the sisters.
As we go on a whirlwind journey of laughter and love, we are pulled in by the lively personalities of the characters, with their wit, jokes, and euphemisms. The interactions between each character is playful - they argue, mock, and even slap and push each other. All the acting is phenomenal; the actors perform their characters brilliantly with the bold wit, projected movement, and facial expressions that are needed for these roles.
The set is simple, which allowed the actors to move on and off, and around, the outside setting and even down the aisles. Their interaction with the audience is notably engaging. Actors would point at us, ask rhetorical questions, or make certain comments and look pointedly at someone - it had us in fits of laughter throughout the play. After the interval, there is even more playfulness with bringing people onto the stage and engaging them with slapstick comedy. This production is nothing but fun and joyous.
The music is well done too, integrating pop classics from the 50s and 60s, while fitting into the plot of the play. Instruments are used throughout the production and help keep alive the wit of Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy.
Overall, Shakespeare in the Squares production of The Taming of the Shrew is extremely funny, entertaining, and fantastic for all ages. Once again this year, the director, production team, and actors, have done a wonderful job with crafting another thoroughly enjoyable production of a Shakespeare classic.
The tour, which will be held in various locations across London, will run until 12th July 2025. Tickets: here.
Review: Cara-Louise Scott-Lapish Photo: Steve Gregson