The Taming of The Shrew

Get ready for a riotous 90s fever-dream of Shakespeare’s The Taming of The Shrew!

The Globe Theatre Dunedin’s second production of 2025 explodes with neon, pop hits, gender-bending farce, and meta-theatrical mayhem. Directed by Thomas Makinson and inspired by 10 Things I Hate About You and Commedia dell’arte, this queer, absurdist take on the classic pits same-sex lovers Kate and Petruchia in a playful, provocative battle of wits.

Featuring a bold, evocative set design by Sofie Welvaert and saturated neon lighting from Jordan Wichman, the stage becomes a feverish funhouse of colour and contradiction. Louisa Stabenow’s sound design blends slapstick chaos, 90s pop culture staples, and original music by Evelyn Virens to create a world that’s at once ridiculous and razor-sharp.

Expect quick role swaps, direct audience address, layered disguises, and a cast of all-local actors taking Shakespeare for a wild joyride through gender, power, and performance.

10–19 July only – don’t miss the party.

⚠️ Heads up!
This show is recommended R13 – it includes sexual innuendo, suggestive gestures, and some physical comedy with slaps and shouting.

The vibe is campy and playful, not scary or serious, but may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parental discretion advised!

CAST

Katherine (Kate) ..... Lizzie Thomson

Bianco .................... Jake Ree

Baptista .................. Crispin Garden-Webster

Petruchia ................ Belle Mullan

Gremia .................... Evelyn Virens

Lucentia .................. April McMillan Perkins

Hortensio ................ Cheyne Jenkinson

Grumio .................... Daniel Cromar

Trania ....................... Louisa Stabenow

Biondello .................. Harry Almey

Vincentio .................. Nic Turner

ENSEMBLE

Kate Will-Tofia, Sam Ogden and Nic Turner

CREATIVES

Production Manager ... Laura Wells

Director ........................ Thomas Makinson

Stage Manager ............ Emily Gilbert

Set Design .................... Sofie Welvaert

Set Construction .......... Sofie Welvaert

Lighting Design ............ Jordan Wichman

Lighting Assistant ......... Lauren Watt

Lighting Operation ....... Siris Allot

Sound Design ............... Louisa Stabenow

Music Composition ....... Evelyn Virens

Intimacy Coordinator .... Chelsea McRae

Costume Coordinator ... Lizzie Thomson

Photography .................. Don Townsend

Marketing ....................... Chelsea McRae, Thomas Makinson & Sheena Townsend

Programme .................... Chelsea McRae

Poster Design ................. Don Townsend & Thomas Makinson

FRONT OF HOUSE

Kay Masters, Nicola Bell, Shona Squires, Brent Caldwell & Sheena Townsend

BOX OFFICE COORDINATOR (HUMANITIX)

Sheena Townsend

Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Dunedin, Kim Morgan, Catacombs Nightclub, Better Creative, Cue-Go, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Black Dog Cafe