Shakespeare On The Lake: The Taming Of The Shrew

I made the 3-stubby trip out to Ellebrook last night to see this Upstart offering. I must say I was well rewarded for the effort. This is a top-shelf show, and what's more, it's free! The stage is a paved circle about 25 metres in diameter, with about one third of its circumference bordering the beautiful artificial lake, the other two thirds surrounded by terraced amphitheatre. There is no set, but in the circumstances, one is hardly necessary or appropriate. Because of the vastness of the performance area, entrances and exits were all made at a run, which added to the overall energy of the piece. Sight and sound left nothing to be desired however. Director Garreth Bradshaw owns up to "borrowing" influences from sources as diverse as Commedia dell'Arte and Monty Python. I think I detected some 'Marx Brothers' and 'Three Stooges' as well. Certainly, it required a thorough understanding of the narrative for the script to be trimmed to size for maximum belly-laughs. Of course, the success of the play necessarily depends on the strength of the two leads and in this production, Michael Lamont as Petruchio and Joanne Williams as Katherina are positively pumped, albeit not so much Burton & Taylor as Punch & Judy. Together with a very talented support cast, they keep the fun coming throughout the 2 hour run so that one has no call to dwell on the sexual politics of the piece. Some housekeeping suggestions: plan to get there well before the 7 pm sharp start-time, otherwise you may miss the fore-play bit. Also, it seems de riguer to bring snacks and drinks a la outdoor cinema, although there are limited refreshments available at the venue. And if you happen to be one of those who think that all Shakespeare is as tiresome as flying fox droppings, this may well be the show to convince you otherwise. Well done, all!