Shakespeare in the Squares makes its annual return to London’s picturesque garden squares and green spaces this week with The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s comedy battle of wits, wills and wild romance with toe-tapping pop classics. This year’s programme features 34 performances across 28 beautiful London locations Founders Martin Neild and Sue Fletcher comment, “One of the great pleasures of Shakespeare is the way his work is always open to reinvention. We can’t wait to see Toby bring Padua to London’s gardens in his imaginative take on this popular play.”
The company is a not-for-profit touring theatre company that stages a new Shakespeare play across London for one night in each venue every summer. They are a cornerstone of London’s summer cultural calendar, renowned for tailoring each performance to the individual venue, providing the audience with a truly unique show every time. The team collaborates closely with the garden committees and other local organisations to foster an intimate experience for each London community. The company intends to introduce audiences to the stars of the future, with many going on to perform in mainstream companies. The company’s patron is Dame Judi Dench.
Director Toby Gordon says “The rules in Padua are clear. Nobody can marry the highly sought-after Bianca until a husband is found for her elder sister Katherina. The men in Padua are all intimidated by Katherina and terrified by the idea of marriage to her. Romantic life for both sisters is at a standstill. With the arrival of newcomers Lucentio and Petruchio, Padua is overcome with the potential for resolution.
Can Petruchio possibly be a husband for Katherina? Will Bianca be able to evade her mother’s watchful eye and find true love? Disguise, distortion and deception are all on the menu as the outsiders join the men of Padua in a struggle to find their feet among the Minola sisters and their mother, the powerful Baptista. Come and join the vibrant community of Padua on a whirlwind journey of love and laughter in summer 2025!”
Bring your picnic, wine, sunglasses and participatory spirit and join Shakespeare in the Squares this summer for this Shakespeare comedy featuring toe-tapping pop classics from the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Tickets are on sale now via Shakespeareinthesquares.co.uk/tickets
Nikita Johal plays Bianca
Sasha Wilson plays Katherina
Paddy Duff plays Lucentio
Roddy Lynch plays Petruchio
