John Fletcher’s hilarious sequel to Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Some years after the end of Shakespeare’s tale, widower Petruchio gets his comeuppance, meeting his match in new wife Maria, who’s determined to achieve equality by taming the infamous “brave wife-breaker”. Refusing to consummate her marriage until her conditions are met, she garners support from women far and wide, who come to join her siege. Meanwhile, Livia seeks refuge with Maria to avoid being married to an elderly suitor; together the women hatch a plot to help her wed the man of her choice.

Written in the early 1600’s in direct answer to Shakespeare’s Shrew, the revival of the play was supressed in 1633 by The Master of the Revels, and The King’s Men were prohibited from performing it because of the blasphemy, profanity, public ribaldry, and other “offensive matters” it contained. Even by modern standards, much of the original language is risqué – if you know where to look! Listen carefully…

Although farce, Fletcher does not descend solely into man-bashing (though there is plenty of that too!). Throughout, the women strive for equality, not superiority. Both the men and the women become increasingly manipulative, employing more and more outrageous methods to achieve their aims. Who will win this battle of the sexes, and can equality ever be attained?

Why not make it a double bill? Immediately before The Tamer Tamed or, The Woman’s Prize, see Necessary Cat’s production of Fletcher’s inspiration: Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

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SHOW INFORMATION
Venue: Braw Venues @ Hill Street – Venue 41
Stage: Dunedin
Dates: 17-30
Ticket Price: £15
Time: 20:15
Length: 1hr 30min

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Previous praise for Necessary Cat Limited

Hamlet / Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, 2023

“Necessary Cat’s pairing of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a stunningly worked piece of event theatre which, as such, is as notable as anything at the EIF.” Thom Dibdin, All Edinburgh Theatre

Macbeth / Dunsinane, 2024

“The novelty of this being a Scottish company should not be overlooked. It is Shakespeare to music.” Catherine Henry Lamb, British Theatre Guide

Macbeth

“Wonderfully authentic & professional production…Such a joy to have the play… true to the Bard. One of the highlights of my Fringe week.” Lindsay Seal, audience member

“A wonderfully professional production. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone and everyone giving it a view.” Zac Colemen, audience member

Dunsinane

**** All Edinburgh Theatre

“a fully polished, professional production.” Maren Scriven, Utah Theatre Bloggers

“the best show I have seen in the Fringe…Will definitely book other shows by this acting troupe. What a tour de force by a magnificent group.” Alison, audience member

“I loved every bit of this extremely high quality performance. Easy worth 50 quid.”  Lukas Hensch, audience member

“the production quality from costumes, props to the music and lighting was a step above. A theatre company to keep an eye on!” Steven, audience member

A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Julius Caesar, 2025

“beautifully staged” Hugh Simpson, All Edinburgh Theatre

“a brilliant double bill of Shakespeare by Necessary Cat.” Kirsty, audience member

Julius Caesar

**** All Edinburgh Theatre

“Strong production with real energy and justice done to Shakespeare’s text. Necessary Cat productions keeping serious and solid Shakespeare on the Fringe year after year” Charles, audience member

“A passionate and authentic telling of a great play.” Nigel Howe, audience member

“We loved it. The acting was superb, the performance captivating, and the language inspiring.” Andrew Stobart, audience member

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

“A delightful romp! The show managed to condense into 90 minutes the essence of the marvellous Shakespeare play, with the actors – in full ensemble – a true rarity for the Fringe – taking the poetry seriously, with true understanding and wit, while not taking themselves too seriously. Extremely funny at times, and just beautiful at others.” Julian Lowenfield, audience member

“The highlight of my Fringe experience. Hilarious, well acted and really enjoyable. What a fantastic group! Would definitely recommend.” Susan Wilkinson, audience member

“An absolute hoot. Just as silly and fun as you’d want it to be. I had an absolute blast watching such a well directed and well acted show.” Chris Anderson, audience member

“Impassioned, brilliantly-acted, compelling.” Gena, audience member

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