Bard In The Botanics

Powerful women – some of them self-labelled ‘bloody difficult’ women – are very much in the news.

So this seems a great time for the much loved Bard in the Botanics theatre company to launch a season with the theme ‘these headstrong women’.

First up is ‘The Taming of the Shrew?’ in a production which has been adapted by Gordon Barr from Shakespeare’s comedy and John Fletcher’s The Tamer Tamed.

The latter gives a voice to the women of the story and affords them the chance to fight back.

This new adaptation brings both plays together to explore Shakespeare’s original story and his fellow playwright’s response to it in the ultimate battles of the sexes.

The show is also directed by Gordon Barr.

Controversial comedy

Today, The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s most controversial comedies. As it was at the time of writing.

When Petruchio takes a bet that he can marry and tame the notorious ‘shrew, Kate, he finds that he may have bitten off more than he can chew.

The ensuing struggle for supremacy is fast and furious with both sides giving as good as they get.

Sparks fly

Watch the sparks fly with today’s Big Deal on a ticket to see ‘The Taming of the Shrew?’ by Bard in the Botanics.

The deal is for one ticket to see the performance on one of the following dates: Wednesday the 21st June (preview performance); Thursday the 22nd June (preview performance); Friday the 23rd June; Saturday the 24th June; Wednesday the 28th June; Thursday the 29th June; Wednesday the 5th July or Thursday 6th July.

All shows start at 7.45pm and last approximately two and half hours.

Please note that this is an outdoor performance, subject to cancellation in the event of adverse weather.

Seating is not provided for this performance – stools are available for hire or audiences may bring their own seating.

Critical acclaim

The Bard In The Botanics season has become one of the most eagerly-anticipated dates in Glasgow’s cultural calendar and audiences love the performances.

This is what an audience member posted on The Bard in The Botanics’ Facebook after one of last year’s shows:

‘Yesterday I went to see Bard in The Botanics’ production of Doctor Faustus and it was honestly incredible! The intimate setting meant that the actors were literally standing right in front of you, which made the already gripping story so much more intense. There were only three cast members, and they portrayed their characters so convincingly that I was on the edge of my seat for the entire performance and was honestly weeping at the finale. I highly recommend seeing any of their other plays as I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed them!’

Battle of the sexes

This is a chance to see this gripping work in a unique and intimate environment.

Even if you haven’t encountered Shakespeare since that disappointing O Grade exam, this Bard In The Botanics production will allow you to experience the full force of the language and drama up close in the atmospheric setting of the Botanics.