Theatre / birmingham royal ballet
Review: The Taming of the Shrew, Hippodrome
From the bawdy tavern scenes to cases of mistaken identity, there is a touch of the Bard everywhere you look in choreographer John Cranko’s retelling of Shakespeare’s battle-of-the-sexes comedy. The Birmingham Royal Ballet production is even set in Renaissance Italy, with a live score from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, so you are guaranteed a night of escapism.
The Taming of the Shrew is undoubtedly one of the most difficult of Shakespeare’s plots. Katherina, played with subtlety by Elisha Willis, is resisting marriage. Her sister, in contrast, is attracting considerable attention: but in order for the younger Bianca (Jenna Roberts) to marry, Katherina needs to get hitched first.
The sisters’ suitors are played with a light touch, dressed in cumbersome cloaks and sporting trite gifts that raise a few laughs. But then they meet Petruchio, stripped of his money by prostitutes. The three men offer to introduce him to rich Katherina, and so begins the central courtship.
Katherina won’t have any of it. All elbows and heels, she is comically contrary. Each time they meet, they endure the to-and-fro of flirtation and argument. But Iain Mackay plays a spirited Petruchio and eventually wins her hand. Their love peaks in a beautifully lit dance, emerging as if from the blue twilight of youth; but we are left wondering if the demure wife we now see is a product of love or submission.
This is a true ensemble piece with some lively dances from the company, dressed in sumptuous costumes. Bianca’s lifts in the pas de quatre are a genuine highlight. Her match Lucentio (Brandon Lawrence), begins the show with deliberate affectations but develops into a powerful partner culminating in a stunning solo performance.
It’s a visual treat. At less than two weeks old, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s latest show has a freshness and playfulness to it that could win round even the most sceptical of audiences.
The Taming of the Shrew continues at the Hippodrome until Saturday, July 2. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-taming-of-the-shrew/bristol-hippodrome
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