Presented by an all-female-identifying cast, this fresh take on The Taming of the Shrew brings a bold new energy to the classic comedy, flipping the script on traditional gender roles, offering a hilarious and unexpected twist on the power struggles and romantic entanglements that drive the story. There are disguises, false identities, schemes and dreams but in the end, love conquers all!
Shoreside Theatre’s bold reinterpretation of The Taming of the Shrew, presented at the PumpHouse Theatre, is a refreshing and dynamic take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy. Performed by an all-female-identifying cast, the production flips traditional gender roles on their head, infusing the story with a new sense of energy and a touch of modern irony. By reclaiming a narrative that historically humiliated strong women, this adaptation delivers a performance that leans into the comedy while offering a pointed critique of outdated gender stereotypes.
At the heart of the play is the story of Baptista Minola and her two daughters, Bianca and Katherina. Bianca is the picture of sweetness, albeit a little scatterbrained, and has a queue of suitors vying for her hand. Her older sister, Katherina, is the complete opposite—fierce, sharp-tongued, and unyielding. Baptista complicates matters by decreeing that Bianca cannot marry until Katherina does. The problem? Katherina has no interest in marriage and openly declares she will never wed.
Left to Right: Katerina (Matilda Chua) and Petruchio (Heather Warne)
This creates the perfect storm of comic chaos, with suitors scrambling to find a way to marry off Katherina so they can pursue Bianca. The introduction of Petruchio, who is willing to take on the challenge of wooing Katherina, sets the stage for a whirlwind of schemes, disguises, and romantic manipulation.
One of the production’s standout achievements is its use of an all-female cast, which adds a clever layer of satire to the play’s depiction of brash masculinity. Watching women embody the exaggerated posturing and bravado of male characters is both hilarious and thought-provoking. This casting choice reframes the story’s humour, shining a spotlight on the ridiculousness of the characters’ machismo and making it more accessible to modern audiences.
The comedy lands particularly well in this adaptation, with the actors striking a perfect balance between sharp wit and physical humour. The character of Petruchio steals the show, bringing a larger-than-life presence to the stage. Their charm and confidence are captivating, evoking comparisons to the swagger of Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother. Petruchio’s interactions with Katherina are charged with both humour and tension, making their scenes some of the most memorable in the play.
Left to Right: Katerina (Matilda Chua), Lucentio (Āria Harrison-Sparke), Bianca (Alice Dibble) and Petruchio (Heather Warne)
Meanwhile, the rivalry among Bianca’s suitors—Lucentio, Gremio, and Hortensio—provides plenty of laughs. Their competitive antics, driven by a mix of desperation and bravado, are reminiscent of modern reality dating shows like The Bachelorette. This parallel makes the story feel surprisingly contemporary, despite its centuries-old origins.
The play is well-paced, with the first half focusing on Bianca and her admirers. This section is filled with light-hearted comedy, as the suitors go to ridiculous lengths to win her affection. The second half shifts to Katherina and her journey, which is more complex and, at times, darker. The portrayal of Katherina’s transformation—whether it is genuine or the result of manipulation and exhaustion—is thought-provoking and leaves room for interpretation.
While the production stays true to Shakespeare’s original text, some may find themselves wishing for a modern twist that reimagines the story’s conclusion. The play’s adherence to its historical narrative means that the fate of Katherina’s fiery independence is ultimately sealed, a resolution that may feel outdated to contemporary audiences. However, this choice also highlights the progress society has made since Shakespeare’s time, making the play a conversation starter about the portrayal of women in literature and theatre.
Left to Right: Bianca (Alice Dibble), Lucentio (Āria Harrison-Sparke), Petruchio (Heather Warne) and Katerina (Matilda Chua)
The PumpHouse Theatre provides an intimate setting for the production, drawing the audience into the action and enhancing the comedic timing of the performances. The minimal set design and costumes are distinct, allowing the cast to shine in their roles.
Overall, Shoreside Theatre’s The Taming of the Shrew is a delightful and thought-provoking experience. The all-female cast brings a fresh perspective to the classic play, turning its themes of love and power into a hilarious satire of gender dynamics. While the production stays faithful to its source material, its creative interpretation and dynamic performances make it a standout show.
The packed audience on opening night was a testament to the production’s success, with laughter and applause filling the theatre. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast or a newcomer to his work, this adaptation offers a thoroughly entertaining evening at the theatre.
Performances of The Taming of the Shrew run from January 22 to February 14, 2025
Tickets can be purchased here