The Taming of the Shrew | Royal Shakespeare Company

The ultimate battle of the sexes is turned on its head in Justin Audibert’s The Taming of the Shrew as the 1590s are reimagined – with women in charge.

In this radical take on Shakespeare's fierce and energetic comedy of gender, Baptista Minola is seeking to marry off her two sons, the sweet-tempered Bianco and the rebellious Katherine. Cue an explosive courtship and a keenly witty portrayal of hierarchy and power.

‘A landmark production as women take charge’ **** Evening Standard

The RSC’s London production of The Taming of the Shrew is kindly supported by Cockayne – Grants for the Arts and the London Community Foundation.

Cast

Director Justin Audibert 

Set Designer Stephen Brimson Lewis

Costume Designer Hannah Clark

Lighting Matt Peel

Music Ruth Chan

Sound Claire Windsor

Movement Lucy Cullingford

Fights Rachel Bown-Williams, Ruth Cooper-Brown

Duration

Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes including an interval

Good To Know

Photos by Ikin Yum (c) RSC

Location

Barbican, London

Barbican - Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

Additional Details & FAQ

Access Information
  • Tue 17 Dec, 7.15pm - Audio-described and captioned performance with Touch Tour (5.15pm)

To contact the Access Manager please email access@barbican.org.uk or call 020 7382 7348 during office hours.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds or exchanges after booking. 

Where Do I Go

Barbican Centre, Silk St, London, EC2Y 8DS

By Tube

The venue is within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, St Paul’s and Moorgate.

By Bus

Bus Route 153 runs directly past the venue. along Chiswell Street. Alight at 'Silk Street'. 

It is also close to Bus Route 4 and 56 which serve Barbican tube station. 

Reviews

4.6(14 reviews)
  • Donna Hamilton

    Jan 11, 2020

    Simply stunning performance. Loved the gender reversal. Great costumes and very user-friendly venue. Am booking my next visit very soon.

  • Alex

    Jan 11, 2020

    Loved it, it was light yet dark, frothy, joyous, and incredibly funny

  • Margaret

    Jan 10, 2020

    A thoroughly enjoyable evening, though a little strange with the reverse sex change roles. (This took a little time to get used to the truculent Katherine, being played by a man and Petruchia played by a woman. The cast was excellent, particularly Claire Price as Katherine

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