Kemp gets the Shakes

Contemporary audiences are understandably repelled by the brutal sexual politics of The Taming of the Shrew. But Mark Rosenblatt's old-fashioned, unilluminating and not very funny production skates over the difficulties posed by what is essentially a Shakespeare problem play.

Most directors seek fresh ways of revaluing or psychologically interpreting the fashion in which Petruchio torments the unhappy Katherina into marital obedience.

Rosenblatt, riskily locating his production in contemporary Italy, directs as if The Taming of the Shrew is a simple, not to say simple-minded romp. And with the courage of another man's convictions he follows the example of Gregory Doran whose Royal Shakespeare production misguidedly removed the play's Induction and dream-like perspective.

There ought to have been some compensatory sparks of excitement caused by the casting of Ross Kemp as a thuggish Petruchio, opposite the versatile character actress Nichola McAuliffe. But the clash between these two opposing forces of ill-nature sounds no louder or more interesting than a mouse's squeak.

Chief blame attaches to Rosenblatt, since his production, which is at least beautifully spoken by the entire company, lacks any clear or guiding concept. Even Jon Bausor's ugly set, with facades of grubby-looking houses, the odd shop for Gelati and cumbersome interiors, contributes little Italian atmosphere.

Kemp's Petruchio, sporting a goatee beard, sinister smiles and quizzical eyebrows, surprisingly has no dangerous edge. This performance, although confidently spoken, is pitched on too low an emotional key.

Kemp deals with the vicious taming of his wife, who seems more interested in her clothes than him, as if he were a phlegmatic workman, climbing a precarious ladder. And he switches off the sexual electricity whenever Miss McAuliffe's weird Katherina appears.

McAuliffe, assured and glamorously dressed, showing none of the fury or sadness of an old girl on the shelf, suffers humiliation, hunger and hurt as if they were no more than mosquito bites. She lightly tosses off the final, famous speech of submission as if she were mixing a salad. It is talented sub-plot players such as Edmund Kingsley, Michael Matus, Nicholas Boulton and Wayne Cater who brighten the blandness.

Information: 01483 440000. Until 18 October. Then touring.

The Taming Of The Shrew
Richmond Theatre
The Little Green, TW9 1QJ