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A WORD FROM THE PRODUCERS...
March 2026
Good News!
This year we’re back in Otford at The Archbishops Palace this May. Following the success of Midsummer in 2024, we’re back with SHREWED! Our very own bold, high-spirited adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew, reimagined against the backdrop of wartime Britain, tailored to our performers and the beautiful village of Otford.
Often considered a problematic play because of its outdated gender politics, we have dedicated ourselves to reframing the story of the woman who refuses to be tamed and give a well known tale a brand new angle. Set in a small British village during World War Two, SHREWED! finds Kate empowered by the ideals of the Land Army girls and women's emerging role in industries, making her far too modern for her 1940's contemporaries. When she finds herself forced to entertain a relationship with Peter, an American soldier on leave, what follows is a war or words and will. This show will have you laughing, singing and remembering that well behaved women seldom make history... or indeed great theatre!
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With live music from The Jean Bentley Band, this show blends Shakespeare's story with classic music from the 1940's resulting in a feel good experience. The Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller, Judy Garland and Peggy Lee are all influences, expect toe-tapping swing, swooning ballads, and a soundtrack that transports you straight to a 1940s dance hall.
And the evening doesn’t stop at the curtain call — enjoy hot food, warming drinks, and bustling market stalls that bring the whole village to life.
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Rehearsals have begun and we’re so pleased to be in partnership with local community groups and independent crafters to create a period village fair feel to this production. We are aiming for true event theatre with this show and we’re so glad that our partnership with the Palace has allowed us the opportunity to perform this brand-new adaptation.
But wait, there’s more!
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Later this year in June and July, we’re back with our dear friends at The White Rock Inn, Underriver, for our intimate and dramatic re-telling of Othello. It’s our first time taking on this play, and we can’t wait to begin. It has romance, it has jealousy, it has passion. It’s one of Shakespeare’s classics for a reason.
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Tackling this epic story of love and race relations is no mean feat, but this Venetian festival themed production looks to be bold, striking, and intense. An intimate company performing in the round means we are bringing Shakespeare's words to the fore, and in a way that makes it immediately accessible. We’re so pleased to be able to welcome new members to the company for this and rehearsals begin in late April for this powerful play.
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Watch this space for more information!
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As of the time of writing, tickets for SHREWED! are live now, and booking for Othello will open soon. We’ll keep you posted with more information on both of these shows as they develop and on our upcoming Pop Up events. Stay tuned to our website for more updates from us, and on our Facebook and Instagram for more.
We can’t wait to meet you all at the shows!
Best,
Rod Henderson and Charlotte Jacobs