About The Taming of the Shrew

One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies The Taming of the Shrew is known as the play within a play as the story of the courtship of two sisters, Katherina and Bianca by a selection of Italian gentlemen, is played out for a drunkard in England.

In the Italian city of Padua Bianca has a number of suitors but is forbidden by her father Baptista to entertain any courtships until her older sister Katherina is married. While many suitors try to claim Bianca’s hand, one sets about sweetening Katherina to claim her large dowry and open the path to Bianca for his friends. The Taming of the Shrew is a rich story of love, politics and deceit and is full of humour and wit.

As part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s winter season William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew will show at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from the 19th January to the 18 February 2012. The Taming of the Shrew is directed by Lucy Bailey.

The story of the Taming of the Shrew has been adapted for the big screen in several successful films including the award winning 1967 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and the popular teen film 10 Things I Hate About You. It was also the inspiration for Cole Porters celebrated musical Kiss me Kate.

The Taming of the Shrew performance times are as follows:

Evenings: Mon – Thurs 19.15 (19.00 on Wed 25th Jan)

Matinees: Thurs & Sat 13.15

The Taming of the Shrew Theatre Breaks always includes tickets with hotel accommodation, and the number of tickets you request must be the same as the number of hotel guests.