(image courtesy of the Theatre
Royal Plymouth)
In the second of three collaborations with the Theatre
Royal Plymouth and theatre producer Thelma Holt, Ross Kemp
will star alongside Nichola McAuliffe in one of Shakespeare’s best-loved
comedies, "The Taming Of The Shrew" - probably the most famous play
ever written about the battle of the sexes. This latest venture follows last year’s
nationally acclaimed production of "The Tempest", which starred Richard
Briers as Prospero.
Nichola McAuliffe and Ross Kemp
(photo from BBCi)
Ross Kemp, in his first major Shakespearean role and Nichola McAuliffe from
the West End show, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", star as Shakespeare’s
most explosive couple: Petruchio, the flamboyant, brash adventurer in search of
a wife and her dowry and Katherina, the wilful, funny and viciously ill-tempered
daughter of the wealthy Baptista. The rocky road to their eventual union is littered
with some of Shakespeare’s most barbed wit and this, together with the fact
that the play introduces some of Shakespeare’s funniest characters, make
it an excellent and easy introduction for newcomers to the Bard. Full of action
and intrigue, the play’s conclusion and the couple's joyful acceptance of
each other has been the subject of much heated debate since the play was first
written and, over 400 years later, it is still guaranteed to spark a very lively
discussion.
"The Taming of the Shrew" will be directed by Mark
Rosenblatt, designed by Jon Bausor, with lighting by Chris Davey and music by
Simon Allen.
Lee Chamberlain, Theatre
Royal Press Officer says, "To have such a popular and an exciting cast
will no doubt attract audiences from all backgrounds. From the most faithful followers
of Shakespeare to fans of contemporary theatre, this production will surely have
mass appeal and will be one of the hottest tickets in the Autumn season."
Last year the Theatre Royal Plymouth was the first beneficiary of a new Arts
Council of England National Touring Franchise. This supports the production and
subsequent regional tour of a major piece of drama each year for an initial three-year
period. The Theatre Royal, in partnership with Thelma Holt Limited is using the
franchise to produce a major Shakespeare play each year, bringing high quality
drama to regional theatres around Britain.
Many thanks to the Theatre
Royal Plymouth for providing information for this page
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