Director's unique approach

The Taming of the Shrew tells of the high spirited courtship between Petruchio, a man seeking a rich marriage, and Kate, a woman of fiery temper warding off all suitors.

Kings Langley Players have chosen the production to bring their current season to a rousing finale.

Director May Musker said: “It’s a real soap opera of a play, and it’s very bound to city life - no blasted heaths or battlefields, just people and their relationships.

“Having the actors on the floor and the audience close and on three sides will produce an intimacy that could never be achieved with the actors separated from the audience by the proscenium arch.

“For me, the intimacy is all important, getting the audience and the actors as close together as possible.

“I’d love to perform The Taming of The Shrew in a real cafe, in a beach shack, in someone’s attic - any offers please get in touch!”

In another bold move Ms Musker has chosen to cast women in some of the supporting roles that were written for men, and after enthusiastic rehearsals she now can’t wait for the play to start.

She said: “Opening night is four hundred years and two months from the presumed day of Shakespeare’s death.

“You never know who you might meet at Baptista’s cafe...”

Kings Langley Players will present the play in the community centre at 7.45pm from tomorrow (Thursday) through to Saturday June 25.

Tickets for The Taming of the Shrew cost £12 and £10 if booked in advance or £1 extra if bought on the door on the night.

Book online at the website, www.klp.org.uk or call the Players box office on 07906 695959.