Shakespearean masterclasses ‘Tame the Shrew’

THAME’s amateur dramatic company, Thame  Players were lucky enough recently to have staged a series of masterclasses on acting, tutored by Bruce Alexander, the well-known TV star and Royal Shakespeare Company actor who is also a patron of  Thame Players.

The masterclasses helped participants strengthen their basic theatrical skills focusing particularly on the demands posed by Shakespearean acting and how to get the most out of the interplay between word and movement – even how to get a good laugh.

The masterclasses were well-timed, as Thame Players began rehearsals during May and June for their new production of Shakespeare’s comedy, The Taming of Shrew, opening tomorrow (07/07). Amy Kerstein, who has the lead part of Kate in this production, said: “It was such a privilege to work with Bruce Alexander. He has a huge wealth of professional experience and his love of Shakespeare’s language was infectious. Working with him has helped all of us to raise our game, and hopefully that will show in our performances this week.”

Her co-star, Victor Gaultney, plays Petruchio, a swaggering adventurer who takes on the task of taming the shrew – alias Kate. He commented: “Bruce helped us get the most from Shakespeare’s text and to explore Kate and Petruchio’s unexpected transition from antagonism to love and respect. I’m very glad to have had the chance to be inspired by Bruce’s creativity and enthusiasm.”

The masterclasses were funded by local house-builder Rectory Homes, as part of its sponsorship programme with Thame Players. Rectory Homes is also the headline sponsor of this production of The Taming of the Shrew, which promises to be a masterclass of a production that will delight theatre-goers.

Taming of the Shrew is showing at The Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame, on Tuesday, July 7 to Saturday, July 11, at 7.45pm – More information including ticket prices and availability here: LINK