In Shakespeare’s original version the story of Petruchio’s “taming” of his shrew, Katharina, was presented by way of metatheatre; a play within a play. It was thought this might be Shakespeare’s way of distancing himself from the misogynistic overtones, sexist even by Elizabethan standards.

Bexhill Amateur Theatrical Society binned this not insignificant factor, covered the production in chinos, sequins and leather and hauled it into the 1920s. An interesting idea, although one that, combined with the use of a 430-year-old language, seemed more arbitrary than anything else.

Am-dram’s fundamental charm lies in its intimacy – that of the players, who have given up valuable time to pull this off for friends and family, and locals who in turn may revel in their largesse at showing support. Flubbed lines, ill-fitting costumes and mumbled ‘Sirrah!’s are part of the appeal, so it was unfortunate that the too-large venue of the De La Warr meant the audience were scattered and disparate, and some of the ‘fie!’s lost to the auditorium rafters.

Had the venue been less grand, it would have helped the performances dominate and the idiosyncracies shine through, letting us properly experience what top-rate troupe BATS are capable of.