The Taming of the Shrew (1975)

Intro

A New Shakespeare Co. production of Shakespeare's play, performed during a regional tour (May 1975), at the Roundhouse, London (opened 3 June 1975) and Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London (opened 23 June 1975).

Photos

The photo shows Katherina (played by Zoë Wanamaker), alongside Petruchio (Jeremy Irons). It has been kindly provided by Zoë.

Overview

The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy about love and marriage.

Baptista, a gentleman of Padua, forbids his popular younger daughter, Bianca, to marry before his elder child, Katherina (known as Kate), has herself found a husband.

Kate is considered troublesome, however, and so suitors for her hand are not forthcoming.

The sisters' situation seems hopeless until the arrival of adventurer Petruchio, who determines to tame the apparently shrewish Kate.

Cast

Larry Noble ... Baptista

Zoë Wanamaker ... Katherina

Jeremy Irons ... Petruchio

Elizabeth Romilly ... Bianca

Geoffrey Bateman ... Hortensio

Desmond Stokes ... Vincentio

Christopher Guard ... Lucentio

Ian McNeice ... Grumio

Ray Callaghan ... Gremio

Charles Nowosielski ... Tranio

Andrew Dunford ... Biondello

Christine Schofield ... Baptista's maid

Tony Kilbane ... Curtis

Richard Goolden ... A Pedant

David Cardy ... A Haberdasher

Paul Wager ... A Tailor / a Priest

Jenny Short ... A Widow

Sally Greenwood ... A Lady

Clive Carter and Tony Kilbane ... Waiters

Richard Earthly ... A Priest / a Servant

Brian Attree ... An Officer / a Servant

Gene Foad ... A Servant

Crew

Director: Mervyn Willis
Designer: Bob Ringwood
Lighting Designer: Brian Benn

Notes

Zoe was familiar with The Taming of the Shrew when cast as Kate in this New Shakespeare Company production. Earlier in 1975, she had played Kate's sister, Bianca, in Kiss Me Kate, the musical based on Shakespeare's comedy.

When The Taming of the Shrew reached London, it was intended to be performed only at the Open Air Theatre. Its short spell at the Roundhouse resulted from delays in construction work at the other theatre.

While both Zoe and her co-star, Jeremy Irons, are now very well known to the public, the Open Air Theatre's website suggests that they were '[a]n unknown duo' at the time this production was performed. That is not to say the pair were inexperienced actors. Before starring in The Taming of the Shrew, Zoë had worked extensively in regional theatres, as well as at London's Young Vic. Jeremy Irons's stagework is similarly impressive.

Their involvement with the Royal Shakespeare Company would soon bring them both to greater prominence in London's theatrical circles. In fact, as a member of the RSC, Zoe revisited The Taming of the Shrew in 1978.

Press coverage

Zoe's 'spectacularly fine' performance as Kate was praised by The Stage.

Merchandise

William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew (text)