THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

BEAUTIFUL Bianca has no shortage of admirers, but she can’t marry until her headstrong sister Kate finds a husband. Along comes the fortunehunting Petruchio, who is determined ‘to wive it wealthily in Padua’ and sets out to capture the heart of the fieryspirited Kate.

Petruchio and Kate face off in a crackling battle of wits, while three enthusiastic suitors launch their own devious campaigns as they vie for Bianca’s affections.

Join Foot in the Door as they bring Shakespeare’s most controversial comedy to a venue near you!

There are two performances at Abbey Gardens in Winchester on Sunday at midday and 3pm.

LORD ARTHUR SAVILE’S CRIME

POULNER Players will be presenting Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime from Wednesday to Saturday.

The play is based on a short story by Oscar Wilde adapted for the stage by Constance Cox.

Lord Arthur Savile is due to marry his beloved Sybil Merton, but her mother, Lady Julia, delays the process by insisting that society's latest superstar, the palm reader, Podgers, reads Arthur's future.

Numerous plots by Arthur, assisted by his faithful butler Baines, and hindered by the bumbling anarchist Winkelkopf, ensue to bring about his predicted future before his wedding can take place.

Call 07826 424965 or visit poulnerplayers.org.uk.

ANYTHING GOES THE action takes place on the SS American, sailing from New York to England in Anything Goes by Stage One Youth Theatre, on stage at Ferneham Hall in Fareham next week.

On board are the beautiful American heiress Hope Harcourt, her English fiance Sir Evelyn Oakleigh and Hope’s mother. Stowing away on board is Billy Crocker, a young admirer of Hope’s who can’t believe she would really marry the silly Sir Evelyn and determines to try and stop her.

Public Enemy Number Thirteen, with his moll Erma, is also along for the ride and he passes on to Billy the passport and ticket of a gangster friend of his who didn’t catch the boat. This leads to unwelcome complications for Billy, as he and the Public Enemy have to keep changing disguises to avoid arrest.

Keeping the steam at boiling point in the ship’s engine room and working the stablisers overtime is the incandescent Reno Sweeney; ex-evangelist and nightclub singer. With her help all the shipboard disasters are averted and all the romances sorted out – including her own.

Cole Porter’s glorious songs include I Get A Kick Out Of You, It’s Delovely, Blow Gabriel Blow, You’re The Top and Friendship.

Tickets: 01329 231942 or visit fernehamhall.co.uk