Set inside the Oxford Castle complex, the scene could not have been more atmospheric for Don’t Hate The Players Theatre Company’s performance of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.

The play tells the tale of two very different sisters, and a father who will not allow his sweet, and good-natured daughter be married until his fiery shrew be wed.

Though one of the Bard’s comedies, it was difficult to see what was so amusing about some cast members’ over-acting, which turned comedic sequences into cringe-worthy scenes. A particularly painful moment came during Petruchio and Katherina’s wedding when cast members dragged embarrassed and reluctant audience members to their feet, forcing them to join in the ‘celebrations’.

Simone Olsen-Varela took on Katherina’s acid tongue and masked her American accent well. But in the moments when her temper gets the better of her, Ms Olsen-Varela loses her believability, her quick succession of shrieks and grunts sounding almost like gunfire as she exits the stage.

Kieran Donnelly stepped into leading man Petruchio’s shoes –well 21st-century shoes.

Although the costumes firmly rooted the performance in its traditional Elizabethan setting, one minor niggle was every cast member’s shoes had stayed firmly in this century with most of the male cast showcasing the latest collection from Clarks, and Bianca choosing a nice summer wedge.

Donnelly was relaxed, however, as he commanded the stage, playing the man who would finally tame the wild shrew. His ability to make the audience chuckle from a look was a refreshing break from the stomping, flailing supporting characters who would burst on to the stage making a ruckus and not much sense.

GEORGINA CAMPBELL