The Taming Of The Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s most controversial plays, so what can we learn about Shakespeare’s Globe’s production from the just-released rehearsal shots?
We can learn that this production will definitely include hats. And lots of them. In just six photographs we can spot a boater, a bowler and a beret. Possibly they’re being hired from a milliner who specialises in outfitting in alphabetical order.
Also corsets, waistcoats and a fetching set of stairs. So, not that much to add to our prior knowledge that the production, which features an all-Irish cast, draws its inspiration from the Easter Rising of 1916 in Ireland.
But look again at the image of Kathy Rose O’Brien, who plays Katherine, and Edward McLiam, who plays Petruchio. It might just be us, but in that single frame we can see attraction, annoyance, arrogance, obstinacy and a simmering aggression on both sides. That’s enough to convince us O’Brien and McLiam will be and fiery and exciting central pairing as the woman who doesn’t want to marry and the man arrogant enough to think he can tame her.
The Taming Of The Shrew runs at Shakespeare’s Globe from 13 May to 6 August. You can book tickets through the theatre’s website.