This is not one of Shakespeare's more popular comedies, because of the inherent misogynism of a story about a cocksure rich man slowly subjugating a childish woman. The first stage show I saw of this play actually reversed this dynamic, with the woman overpowering the man, and the recent Old Vic production saw an all-male ensemble take on the play with successful results.
This one is actually very good, despite of the usual BBC budget limitations imposed on it. The acting all round is excellent with the story very well conveyed. The standout has to be John Cleese, who subverts his usual bumptious comic persona to deliver a surprisingly compassionate portrayal of Petruchio. He is well-matched by Sarah Badel's Katherine, whose unbearable stroppiness mellows under his influence.
An effective take on a much-maligned stage play.
This one is actually very good, despite of the usual BBC budget limitations imposed on it. The acting all round is excellent with the story very well conveyed. The standout has to be John Cleese, who subverts his usual bumptious comic persona to deliver a surprisingly compassionate portrayal of Petruchio. He is well-matched by Sarah Badel's Katherine, whose unbearable stroppiness mellows under his influence.
An effective take on a much-maligned stage play.