The Taming of the Shrew

In Padua, the wealthy Baptista Minola declares that his desirable, gentle daughter Bianca cannot marry until a husband is found for his older, volatile daughter, Katherina, famously known as "the shrew."

This edict forces Bianca's suitors, including the disguised Lucentio, to find a brave (or foolish) man for Kate.

They settle on Petruchio, a man from Verona determined to marry for money and conquer a difficult wife. Petruchio aggressively courts Kate, and despite her strong resistance, he forces the marriage. He then subjects her to a harsh, psychological campaign of "taming" at his country home by denying her food and sleep, and contradicting her every word, claiming these acts are all done out of love.

Exhausted and broken, Kate finally submits on their journey back to Padua, agreeing to call the sun the moon or whatever Petruchio desires.

The play culminates at a final banquet where Petruchio wagers with the other husbands (including Lucentio) on their wives' obedience. Kate is the only one who instantly appears when summoned, delivering a long and fervent speech on the duty of wives to serve their husbands, confirming her complete, though likely coerced, submission and Petruchio's victory in his taming scheme.

The show was performed by the Belfrey Theatre, Wellington, Shropshire
from 16th to 18th Octoober and 4th November 2025