Necessary Cat is back with an uncompromising production of Shakespeare’s comedy tale of misogyny, manipulation and misdirection. Presented in The Bard’s words, with an exciting epilogue by contemporary national treasure, Dame Harriet Walter, this timeless comedy showcases what Shakespeare does best: he shines a light on a particular perennial human condition through an entertaining, thought-provoking story. 

Petruchio hopes to find marital bliss with wealthy Katherina, but first he must purge her of her infamous unfeminine qualities, and tame her “from a wild Kate to a Kate conformable as other household Kates”.

Meanwhile Bianca is in peril of being married off by her father to the highest bidder; can she find a decent man among her motley collection of disguised suitors, or will she take a chance on a visiting stranger? 

Addressing themes as relevant today as when the play was written, our 90-minute production is set at the beginning of the twentieth century, when the global conversation around enfranchisement for women was gaining momentum, and views of women’s place in society were undergoing significant change. 

Despite its uncomfortable subject matter, The Taming of the Shrew is not without humour – far from it. As with so much of Shakespeare’s work, audiences can be howling with mirth one minute, weeping the next, recoiling the next. Just like real life, then. 

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

---

SHOW INFORMATION
Venue: Braw Venues @ Hill Street – Venue 41
Stage: Dunedin
Dates: 17-30
Ticket Price: £15
Time: 18:30
Length: 1hr 30min

---

---

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

---