Shakespeare for Breakfast

William Shakespeare (and others)
C, Chambers Street

This up-to-date, 45 minute version of The Taming of the Shrew is selling out every morning. That is a reflection of the attraction of free coffee and a croissant, the lack of competition and a very commercial attitude on the part of the producers.

Imagine a children's TV show doing their panto chucking is a veneer of Shakespeare and you have a good feel for this five woman show with a rotating cast.

There are lines from the Bard involved but far more from others and even Will's quotes are from all over the place rather than just the Shrew.

Having said that, kids of all ages loved this hip show in which Barbie-Bianca and punky Kate seek love from a paucity of eligible men at Padua Uni.

There are heroes and villains galore with hissing and cheering plus all the panto paraphernalia but surprisingly no "behind yous". The highlight, as should be the case, is the wooing scene in which Petruchio seeks to tame his beloved.

Don't go for this is you love the Bard. For those after a cheery kids show with contemporary lingo, it might take the croissant.

Reviewer: Philip Fisher

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