Sparring lovers going head to head

Buy photos » Sparring lovers - Lisa Dillon and David Caves take the roles Katharina and Petruchio. (s)

SPARRING lovers go head to head in The Taming of the Shrew in the first new production of the new year at the RSC in Stratford.

Shakespeare’s sometimes controversial romantic comedy exploring love and sexual politics sees Lisa Dillon and David Caves take the roles of antagonistic lovers Katharina and Petruchio in the Lucy Bailey-directed production which runs from January 19 to February 18.

Known to millions as Mary Smith in the BBC drama, Cranford, on stage Dillon has played Desdemona in Othello for the RSC, and also appeared in The Hour We Knew Nothing Of Each Other and Present Laughter (National Theatre), The Cherry Orchard and As You Like It (Sheffield Crucible), Design for Living (Old Vic) and Period of Adjustment and Hedda Gabler (Almeida). Lisa also starred in the Stephen Fry film, Bright Young Things.

Caves’ previous work includes The Beggar’s Opera (Open Air Theatre), Macbeth and Troilus and Cressida (Cheek By Jowl), and Stones in his Pocket (UK tour).

Bailey’s acclaimed RSC production of Julius Caesar enjoyed successful seasons in Stratford, London, and most recently as part of the RSC’s 2011 residency in New York.

Her other work includes Macbeth, Timon of Athens, Titus Andronicus, As You Like It, The Maid’s Tragedy (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Beggar’s Opera (Open Air Theatre), The Night Season and Baby Doll (National Theatre) and Tonight at 8.30 and Stairs to the Roof (Chichester Festival).

Talking about the forthcoming production, Bailey said: “Although written over 400 years ago, The Taming of the Shrew is a surprisingly modern piece. Shakespeare explodes the orthodox view of marriage as primarily a business transaction that ensures financial security and legitimate descendents.

"Instead he champions marriage as a meeting of souls, and an instinctive love bond with one's true mate. What is hilarious and at times disturbing in The Shrew is that these intimate negotiations often take place in painfully public arenas and become a kind of voyeuristic spectator sport for the curious and the idle. The beauty of the play is that Kate and Petruchio finally come to a private understanding that is profound and indestructible.”

For tickets and further details visit www.rsc.org.uk or call the box office on 0844 800 1110.