Cross-dressing, a gorgeous blonde, a drunken tinker, and the madcap schemes of amorous youth €” Will Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew has it all.

The Elmwood Players are proud to present the tempestuous tale of wooing and wedding that continues to be one of the world's most popular stage comedies.

Elmwood Theatre, Christchurch - 7.30pm 6 July-8 July, 12 July-15 JulyCross-dressing, a gorgeous blonde, a drunken tinker, and the madcap schemes of amorous youth €” Will Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew has it all.

The Elmwood Players are proud to present the tempestuous tale of wooing and wedding that continues to be one of the world's most popular stage comedies.

Elmwood Theatre, Christchurch - 7.30pm 6 July-8 July, 12 July-15 JulyThe battle of the sexes was never so heated as in the fierce exchange between the sharp-tongued heroine and her swashbuckling suitor. Self-willed, bad-tempered, and shrewish, Katherina despises the line of weak-kneed suitors queuing for the hand of younger sister Bianca.

Enter the swaggering Petruchio, intent on finding a wife, in whom the spirited and witty Kate finally meets her match. There ensues a battle of wills in which Petruchio attempts to win her over, deliberately outdoing her in displays of the absurd and unreasonable behaviour that have earned Kate her reputation.

Meanwhile, Bianca fields the attentions of a trio of suitors, whose various disguises and attempts to trick her father and each other contribute to this riotous farce.

Director Tom Vavasour says the chemistry between Mel Camp and Chris Domigan in the lead roles was evident from the first rehearsal. "They go at it hammer and tongs from the moment they meet on stage."

With its lively verbal knife-flinging and the colourful "taming" tactics of the hero, Shrew is a highly engaging drama, and the Elmwood Theatre is especially suited for drawing the audience into the action.

"The open stage thrust into the midst of the audience is a perfect space for Shrew's antics," says Vavasour.

The set design by Julian Southgate is close to the period of the original and will re-create the ambience of a15th century great hall, complete with grand fireplace and candelabra.

In staging this production, the Elmwood Players are delighted to have the support of Mortlock McCormack Law as principle sponsor. Jan Crooks, Practice Manager at Mortlock McCormack Law, says the firm is proud to be associated with the Elmwood Players.

"We see our involvement as an opportunity to support and encourage the arts and to acknowledge our commitment to the Christchurch community.

"Mortlock McCormack Law is an innovative legal practice with a culture that places high value on people and encourages their vocational and social development. This is reflected in our ongoing involvement with the CPIT School of Art and Design and Launchpad scholarship programme."

The play's season will begin with a special Gala Night Opening on 6 July, with drinks and nibbles served after the performance.

What better way to dispel the winter's gloom than with a warm tale performed by the best of Christchurch amateur theatre!

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7.30pm, 6 July-8 July, 12 July-15 July; Earlybird Show: 6.30pm, 11 July.
Elmwood Theatre, 31 Aikmans Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Tickets: $16 ($10 special on 12 July)
Bookings: The Court Theatre, ph: (03) 963 0870 or 0800 333 100, email: bookings@courttheatre.org.nz www.courttheatre.org.nz