Preview: Taming of the Shrew

 

Summer of Shakespeare Roars Back to the North East with a Bold, Unfiltered Taming of the Shrew

Shakespeare has never felt more urgent, nor more Instagrammable. Theatre Space North East (TSNE) storms into summer with its signature Summer of Shakespeare series, launching with a provocative and playful reimagining of The Taming of the Shrew, set firmly in the throes of today’s influencer-fuelled culture war.

Running from 18–20 July at St. Peter’s Church, Sunderland, and then taking over the Durham Fringe Festival from 23–27 July, this fresh take promises spectacle, social commentary, and Shakespeare with bite.

Directed by TSNE’s artistic head Corinne Kilvington, this year’s production takes no prisoners. Far from brushing over the problematic elements of the Bard’s original, this Shrew leans in—with a cast of 21 and a modern verse translation by playwright Amy Freed, the show crackles with contemporary resonance.

“We want to provoke our audience to engage with Shakespeare’s writing to explore themes that are at the forefront of what we are facing in society today,” Kilvington explains. “The toxicity of gender in a world of social media and influencer culture is rife—misogyny is rife—and Shakespeare still speaks powerfully to that.”

Freed’s adaptation, commissioned by Play On Shakespeare, strips away the denser language without losing the soul of the play, retooling it to reflect the fractured, performative intimacy of our digital age. Expect hashtag feminism to collide with manosphere madness as Kate—played by Rebecca McClelland—takes on the ‘taming’ with bite and brain, while Grant Lawson’s Petruchio offers an uncomfortable mirror to modern masculinity.

A Tale of Two Sisters and a Society Obsessed with Filters

In this Shrew, Kate is not just the ‘difficult’ sister—she’s a woman out of sync with a beauty-obsessed, TikTok-driven world where appearances are everything and clicks equal currency. Meanwhile, her sister Bianca (played by Erin Atack) effortlessly floats through the landscape of filtered perfection. When Kate’s nonconformity blocks Bianca’s marital aspirations, the game is on—and so is the play’s satirical edge.

But this isn’t Shakespeare done safe. As the company has proven time and again—from last year’s acclaimed Julius Caesar to their immersive productions across the North East—TSNE isn’t afraid to challenge its audience.

“There is great entertainment, heart, and humour along the way,” Kilvington adds, “but we’re also inviting people to see themselves in this world—and ask difficult questions.”

Outdoor Theatre at its Best—Backed by Community and Craft

This is more than just theatre; it’s an experience. Opening in the historic grounds of St. Peter’s Church, the show then travels to the atmospheric Palace Green Stretch beneath Durham Cathedral’s twilight sky. With showtimes at 6pm in Sunderland (plus a 1:30pm Saturday matinee), and a magical 8:45pm slot in Durham, this is open-air performance designed to captivate.

“It’s a gorgeous opportunity,” says TSNE producer Jamie Brown, “to enjoy a drink, a meal, and then let the sun go down on something unique and compelling. And with a cast this large—it’s going to be a visual feast.”

That cast includes a blend of professional performers, early-career trainees, and a community ensemble—embodying the company’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and local growth. Backed by UKSPF via Sunderland City Council and The Barbour Foundation, this year’s Summer of Shakespeare might be TSNE’s most ambitious yet.

Looking Ahead: A Virtual Titus on the Horizon

If Shrew isn’t wild enough for your tastes, August brings even more drama with TSNE’s experimental, online “game-world” production of Titus Andronicus. Details are under wraps for now—but it’s clear the company is aiming to blur the boundaries of theatre, space, and storytelling.

Plan Your Visit

Tickets for The Taming of the Shrew are available now via theatrespace.org.uk, where you'll also find more details on venues, access, and August’s Titus.

Fri 18th - Sun 20th July 2025 at St Peter’s Church, Sunderland, SR6 0DY, 6pm (Saturday matinee 1.30pm) run time 100 mins approx. 

Pay What You Can/Donation - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/theatrespacene

Weds 23rd - Sun 27th July 2025, Durham Fringe Festival - Palace Green Stretch Tent, 8.45pm ‘after dinner’ slot, run time 100 mins approx. £10 https://durhamfringe.co.uk/events/the-taming-of-the-shrew/

Catch the shows at:

• St. Peter’s Church, Sunderland: 18–20 July @ 6pm (plus 1:30pm Saturday matinee)

• Palace Green, Durham (Durham Fringe Festival): 23–27 July @ 8:45pm

Whether you're a Shakespeare novice, a diehard fan, or just seeking something powerful to experience this summer, Theatre Space North East’s Taming of the Shrew is unmissable: bold, brilliant, and absolutely of the moment.