An epic battle of the sexes written by Shakespeare will be turned on its head in a run by the Royal Shakespeare Company when they come to Kent.

The 27 players from the RSC will perform three plays by Shakespeare at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, all of which have resonance today.

In The Taming Of The Shrew, which will be staged on selected dates from Tuesday, February 4 to Saturday, February 8 is the ultimate battle of the sexes turned on its head.

In a reimagined 1590, England is a matriarchy and Baptista Minola wants to sell off her son Katherine to the highest bidder. Director Justin Audibert offers a fresh perspective on the comedy’s portrayal of hierarchy and power.

Claire Price plays Petruchia and Joseph Arkley plays Katherine in a cast where women play the roles written as men, and men play the ones written as women.

RSC artistic director, Gregory Doran, said: “We have worked hard to assemble a company of actors which reflects the nation in ways it has never done before.

"Featuring a 50/50 gender-balanced ensemble, we have brought together talent from all corners of the United Kingdom, reflecting both the ethnic, geographical and cultural diversity of Britain today and those artists that are underrepresented on our stages. We want to create a season of work which places contemporary audiences at its heart."

Opening the season is the dark comedy Measure For Measure - running on selected dates between Wednesday, January 29 and Saturday, February 8. Directed by Gregory Doran, it tells the story of a young, novice nun who is compromised by a corrupt official.

Kimberley Sykes directs an imaginative new take on Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It, which runs on selected dates from Thursday, January 30 to Thursday, February 6.

It tells the story of Rosalind, who is banished and wrestling with her heart and her head. With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves.

Company deputy artistic director, Erica Whyman, added: “We really believe Shakespeare should be for everyone, so taking plays around our nation is an essential part of what we do."

To book tickets and find out exact dates, go to marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.

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