We were pleased be the sponsors of the Chapterhouse Theatre production of "The Taming of the Shrew" which took place in Shobrooke Park on Thursday 14 July.

It was a lovely summers evening.  The Chapterhouse production was excellent and was performed in the beautiful setting of the open air amphitheatre in front of the lake.  The production was very well attended with many enjoying a picnic in the grounds before the play.

Baptista has two daughters, Katherina and Bianca.  Katherina has a temper so notorious that it is thought no man would ever want to marry her, while Bianca has several suitors, Lucentio, Hortensio and Gremio.  Baptista has sworn that he will not allow his younger daughter to marry before the elder, Katherina, is wed.

Lucentio recruits his friend Petruchio as a suitor for Katherina while Lucentio and Hortensio in disguise as tutors attempt to woo Bianca behind her father’s back.  Petruchio tries to woo Katherina by reverse psychology, pretending that every horrible thing she says is gentle and loving.  Once married, he behaves hideously, refusing her food and clothing by claiming nothing is good enough for her.  She eventually gives in and agrees with everything he says.

Meanwhile Lucentio marries Bianca and Hortensio marries a rich widow.  Lucentio, Hortensio and Petruchio quarrel over whose wife is most obedient and Katherina surprises everyone by being the only one who obeys her husband.  She proceeds to lecture the other women about obeying their husbands!

It was a very strong cast, including an outstanding performance by Adam Grayson as Petruchio. 

Our thanks to Jack and Clare Shelley for arranging a delightful evening and we look forward to Chapterhouse returning to Shobrooke Park.