'A Wittie and Pleasant Comedie Called The Taming of the Shrew. As it was acted by his Majesties Seruants at the Black Friers and the Globe' 'The Taming of the Shrew' was the first play performed in The George Hotel courtyard when regular out-door productions began in the 1950's. It was also presented to mark the 21st. anniversary of open air Shakespeare at The George in 1980. The play is one of the earliest comedies probably written between 1589 and 1592. An inferior version 'A pleasant conceyted historic called the Tamynge of a Shrow', with some similar features was also being played at the same time. It is possible that this text was a later attempt to piece together Shakespeare's script from memory. This year's production is the traditional version. The story of Kate and Petruchio's tempestuous courtship and marriage is probably as familiar today as it was to Elizabethan audiences. Less well known perhaps is that the play opens with an induction scene and that Bianca's story, the wooing and wedding of Kate's younger sister, weaves its way in and out of the main storyline both providing additional fun and games. Around Kate and Petruchio these two story strands offer a kaleidoscope of comic characters. The keynote of the play is Change, Disguise; impersonation, and changing roles keep the plot moving. Nothing is what it seems to be. As names and clothes are readily exchanged we can enjoy the jokes and deceptions we see and hear. Alongside this there are the more subtle changes in personality and relationships which underpin the overt comedy. There are twists and turns, surprises and discoveries from beginning to end. We hope our presentation will provide you with a remarkable evening's entertainment and one that all the family can enjoy. Cast PETRUCHIO Roger Wentworth KATE Collette Parker LUCENTIO Edward Macneill BIANCA Suzanne Williams BAPTISTA Mike Storey HORTENSIO JohnShippey GREMIO Derrick Scothern GRUMIO Adrian Rigelsford TRANIO Bob Pugh BIONDELLO Nick Thompson VINCENTIO Peter Hughes PEDANT David Oxlee WIDOW Carolyn Noble CURTIS Trish James PLAYER 1 lan Hooper PLAYER 2 Tom Reynolds SLY Peter Hughes HOSTESS Pam Nicholls ALICE, GYPSY Sally Rippin JOAN, GYPSY Carol Watson NAN, GYPSY Ellie Gamble SUGAR SOP, GYPSY Eve Redfern MEG, GYPSY Bethan Pugh SERVING GIRL & DANCER Natalie Perry Production Team Director Mo Pearce Stage Manager Claire Goovaerts Stage Team Karen Buckley, Malcolm Lyons, John Marlow, Daniel Chilcott, Tony Chilcott, John Morgan, Norman Griffin Stage Construction Kirton Construction Set Design Colin Chalk Poster Design Kate Rogers Costumes Wendy Usher, Terry Dick, Jo Fradley, Shannon Milson, Brigid Newland Properties Kate Tweedley Continuity Nicola Howard Photographs Simon Ellis ABIPP AMPA Lighting Design Andy Kendon Lighting Team Roger Blackmore, Malcolm Lyons, Mel Pugsley, Andy Kendon, June Forway, Pat Hamilton Sound Design Gerry Davison Sound Technicians Graeme Hammond, Maggie Redgrave Make-Up Jan Sheppeard, Kathy Williams & Team Publicity Marline Peulevé & Team Box Office Cheryl Cook, Michael Cook Front of House & Sales Adam Greaves, Trish James Emma Savory, Emma James, Andy Kibbey, Matthew Hall & Team