The Taming of the Shrew in performance reviewers as being extremely physical. Lunt and Fontanne were the most famous celebrity couple of the time, and their backstage fights were rumoured to be just as ferocious as their on-stage performances. So legendary did the tempestuous reputation of the couple become that Cole Porter's 1948 musical "Kiss Me, Kate", about a fiery couple attempting to stage an adaptation of "The Taming of the Shrew", was based on their real-life antics. In the latter half of the twentieth century, the play has been frequently staged all over the world. Some notable productions include: "The Shrew"s popularity on stage has continued
The Taming of the Shrew on screen is hosted by an actor discussing their favourite Shakespearean play with other actors and theatrical professionals. Scholars are also interviewed in each episode, and clips from various productions are shown, as well as scenes shot specifically for the show at Shakespeare's Globe. "The Taming of the Shrew" episode is hosted by Morgan Freeman, who had played Petruchio in 1990 at the Delacorte Theater. Interviewees include Tracey Ullman (who played Katherina to Freeman's Petruchio), Sinéad Cusack (Barry Kyle's 1982 production at the Barbican), Brian Cox and Fiona Shaw (Jonathan Miller's 1987 RSC production), Julie Taymor (directed a 1988 production at the