The battle of the sexes sent sparks flying across the stage at Malvern Theatres.

Theatre Royal Plymouth and Thelma Holt's production of The Taming of the Shrew provided all the essential ingredients of an entertaining, absorbing production.

Ross Kemp, most famous for playing hard-man Grant Mitchell in Eastenders, shone as the bawdy, raucous adventurer Petruchio, while Nichola McAuliffe, whom most people will recognise from TV hospital comedy, Surgical Spirit, was perfectly cast as the strong minded, outspoken 'shrew' Katherina.

Supporting actors Nicholas Boulton, as the cunning Hortensio, and Wayne Cater, as down-trodden Grumio, made the audience laugh out loud with perfectly timed comedy moments, while Michael Matus injected a camp twist to the character of Tranio.

Olivia Darnley, as the simpering, squealing Bianca, was played off perfectly against McAuliffe's sharp-tongued wit, while Geoffrey Freshwater took up the role of Baptista, the biased, dominant father with ease.

Scenery and costume were simple yet effective and set changes were quick and flawless.

All in all, the Shakespearean tale of love and obedience was tackled with ease and professionalism to produce an entertaining, exciting and extremely amusing performance. The play runs until tomorrow (Saturday).

Lindsay Holder