Manchester-based HER Productions returns this summer with its sixth annual Shakespeare production, mixing it up and laying down their own take on The Taming Of The Shrew, one of Shakespeare’s most controversial comedies.
With its signature all-female and non-binary cast, HER sets the production in a cabaret club, fusing the worlds of burlesque and clowns to explore this now politically-charged classic in a new light.
Actor and HER Productions founder Hannah Ellis Ryan – perhaps known best to Corrie fans as the evil Hannah Gilmore - is turning her hand to directing for the first time after years of producing legacy Shakespeare projects.
She will direct alongside co-director Amy Gavin, whose background in cabaret and burlesque will help to create the background of this production, while Hannah focuses on the drama and text.
Hannah said: "Our vision has always been vibrant and clear and I couldn't be more excited to bring the play to life with this outrageously talented cast. We will feature 10 Things I Hate About You references [the highly-regarded high school movie with its own take on the original play], clown, cabaret, pole dancing, crochet beards and so much more."
The Taming of The Shrew runs at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester from June 19-30, then goes to Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot (July 10-13) and Huddersfiel's Lawrence Batley Theatre from July 17-19.
More info here