The Taming of the Shrew is a 1962 Australian television play, adapted by Alan Burke from the play by William Shakespeare. It stars Ron Haddrick and Brigid Lenihan.^[3]

The play was done live but it included some filmed sequences shot in Centennial Park.^[4][5]

Australian TV drama was relatively rare at the time.^[3]

Cast

• Ron Haddrick as Petruchio
• Brigid Lenihan as Katherina
• Noel Brophy as a suitor
• Jon Ewing as a page
• Judi Farr as the sister
• Richard Meikle
• Don Pascoe
• Alec Pucci
• Charles Tasman
• Malcolm Billings
• Moya O'Sullivan
• Donald Philips

Production

Alan Burke called the play "brilliantly theatrical. It plays like an express train and takes everyone with it." Burke said in adapting the play for television "I did a lot of work on the play - and fond that sub plots and prologue take up almost two thirds of the running time. We have trimmmed it back to about one third of the total length and the play now goes like a dream with the principals were strong and clear."^[2]

Geoffrey Wedlock did the sets. The costumes and decor were from the mid 17th century. It was Alan Burke's 14th play (he had also done 8 operas and musicals) and second Shakesepare adaptation on TV.^[2]

Reception

The Bulletin praised the acting.^[6]

The Sydney Morning Herald called it "a cheerfully handsome achievement."^[7]