We sat down with Toby who directs a new production of Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare in the Squares, opening 4th June at Leinster Square.
This version of The Taming of the Shrew features pop classics – what inspired you to weave contemporary music into a Shakespearean comedy, and how do the songs enhance the story or character development?
My long-held interest in the early age of mass-distributed recorded music and its impact in bringing people together has led me to consider the parallels with Shakespeare’s early works and his use of songs – particularly in the comedies – to help us interpret mood and feeling. All the songs I have chosen serve a theatrical or narrative function and the period I have chosen equips the production with a visual grammar and setting. Popular music from the 50s and 60s tends towards upbeat and catchy numbers that have enjoyed sustained cultural resonance and showcase brilliant and innovative artists in an age before synthesisers and autotune.
How have you approached the gender dynamics and controversial themes in the play to resonate with modern audiences?
The play deals with themes of gender, relationships and family – all of which are resonant in 2025. The text has been reimagined and introduces audiences to a close-knit group of characters rooted in the community of Padua, Italy. My cut strives to platform the women. Baptista is reimagined as mother to Katherina and Bianca and Padua is established as a matriarchal society. I’ve aimed to level out the balance of power between Katherina and Petruchio and to highlight that theirs is not the only relationship the play presents. I am interested in the contrast illustrated when the vastly different relationships in the play are presented side by side.
How does directing for a transient, outdoor tour differ from working in a traditional theatre, and how do you keep the energy consistent across multiple venues?
Every venue we play is different and asks something different from the show and performers. As director, my aim is to equip the team with a robust story that is flexible in the telling – allowing them to make the most of the unique landscapes and audiences they will encounter on the tour. Our audiences play a huge role in fuelling the energy in performance. With outdoor theatre, the energy of London during the Summer months is infectious – whatever the weather!
How do you think Shakespeare in the Squares contributes to making Shakespeare more accessible or relevant to today’s diverse London communities?
Shakespeare In The Squares began in 2016 with a production of Much Ado About Nothing touring 9 London gardens and squares. In the years following, our tour circuit has grown considerably. Now in our ninth year, 2025’s The Taming Of The Shrew will visit 27 locations across the capital and play 33 performances. Our aim is to keep growing the reach of our productions – championing fun and accessibility across the Summer Season.
What do you hope audiences take away from this production – not just in terms of entertainment, but also reflection or conversation?
In 2025, pre-conceptions about Shrew’s controversial themes can easily eclipse the entertainment, humour and humanity offered by the narrative. I hope to offer audiences a chance to redefine their relationship with this play and the way it presents relationships. As in life, relationships should not be viewed as a finished product but as a constantly developing interplay between ever-changing people
Ticket and info:https://shakespeareinthesquares.co.uk/tickets/