Taming of the "Shrew" | Home Manchester

A cabaret club. An all female cast. HER Productions have done it again. Punch, pop music and pole dancing. This is not traditional Shakespeare.

Taming of the “Shrew" takes on a transformation, almost befitting of a stag night in this raucous rendition. It’s unique, vibrant and lively with an atmosphere that is both gaudy and exhilarating, offering a fresh take on Shakespeare's classic.

The drama starts immediately with the cast welcoming the audience into the theatre. This breaking of the fourth wall continues throughout the majority of the show.

The stage is completely bare apart from a pole-dancing pole which is centre stage. The show starts with the bang of a pop song sung on microphones which immediately captures attention. Slickly executed choreography throughout is a highlight.

The show is all laughs and jokes until it is quickly broken with the tense moment in which Kate's arm is forcibly grabbed, marking a significant shift in tone. This pivotal scene foreshadows the play's darker themes around domestic abuse and coercive control.

The bickering scene between Kate and Petruchio is a standout. The fiery exchange keeps Shakespeare’s original language filled with puns, metaphors and they play with concepts such as taming & wildness. The scene showcases the actors' seamless and natural delivery of Shakespeare's complex language. It may help to go into the play with an understanding of the plot/language to truly appreciate the high level of skill in which this scene delivers heightened language.

Comedy is then cleverly interjected again with the use of a child’s toy horse and more physical slapstick. The very opening of the second act sees a cast member mingle within the audience. Directly asking them questions about what they like and don’t about the show, as well as getting the audience to sing.

Leah Eddleston's pole dancing in the second act is strong example of combing emotion, technical skill and fierceness. Her performance keeps the audience’s whole attention on her. Another moment which breaks the audience’s hearts is when Kate, at one point strong and resistant, bows to her husband giving a strong speech about how her fellow woman should attend to their husbands.

The play culminates in a powerful monologue. In this long final speech Kate, now significantly forced to change by her husband, reflects on women's societal roles. There are reflections on domestic abuse in the second act. It's essential to note that the production does include a trigger warning for domestic abuse. Be prepared for the potentially sensitive content depicted. The production's bold exploration of these themes is thought-provoking.

In summary, this truly unique rendition of Taming of the "Shrew" is a dynamic and thought-provoking experience. In the first act it blends humour and drama with an electrifying cabaret atmosphere. In the second it moves to the plays darker themes. Whilst certainly not for Shakespeare puritans, those seeking an unusual show blending Shakespeare and showgirl have found it in another night of entertainment.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Lowri Burkinshaw