Theatre / bristol old vic theatre school
Review: The Taming of the Shrew, Circomedia
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s production of Shakespeare’s problematic gender-relations drama The Taming of the Shrew demonstrates the School’s ongoing ability to breathe new life into age-old stories.
Without giving too much of a spoiler, the show begins before you even realise it has with a troublesome scenario. So close to the bone is this diversion, it left me reeling for much of the first half.
Pics: Craig Fuller
One of Shakespeare’s earlier works, the tale is framed by a trick played on vagrant Christopher Sly by a group of noblemen. Finding him passed out outside a tavern, they dress him up and convince him he is a lord who has merely suffered ill dreams of homelessness. In a city like Bristol, where homelessness is rife, it’s a theme which sits uncomfortably – too often we hear stories of the mistreatment of the homeless, even 400 years on.
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The nobles put on a play for Sly, which becomes the main source of our entertainment. Again, thorny issues of feminism are addressed, and we’re left to question Shakespeare’s original intent – is this a comment on misogyny, or outspoken women?
Sweet (read: saccharine and smarmy) Bianca (Beau Holland) is the object of affection for what seems to be any male gaze which falls on her, but she is not allowed to marry until her shrewish sister Katherina (Kate Reid) is first wed. Of course, Katherina, who won’t take any nonsense, is undateable, and herein lies the issue.
In writing any review, it’s tempting to find one actor who steals the show. This troupe has proved once again that any performance coming out of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is going to be a winner.
The Taming of the Shrew continues until Sat, Feb 24 at Circomedia, St Paul’s Church, Bristol.For more info, visit www.oldvic.ac.uk/whats-on/the-taming-of-the-shrew.html
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