Drama
You’re Just Too Good to be Shrew Production
Friday 4 April: 5.30pm
Saturday 5 April: 1.30pm
You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew will be lighting up the GMCPA stage and featuring some of our fabulous co-curricular Drama students. You want to hear a little more about why you should come? Meet the co-ordinator of Co-curricular Drama and director/writer of this incredible production, Rebecca York.
Tell us about You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew.
You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew is a hilarious and heartfelt parody that fuses Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew with the cult classic 10 Things I Hate About You. It takes the best elements of both – the razor-sharp Shakespearean banter, high school drama, and over-the-top romantic tropes – and dials them up to eleven.
This production leans into parody, using humour and exaggerated characters to critique outdated gender roles while embracing the rebellious, unapologetic spirit of the 90s. Expect love triangles, chaotic mischief and plenty of flannel shirts, all wrapped in a nostalgic throwback to one of the most beloved teen films of all time.
What inspired you to create a parody of these two iconic stories?
Both Taming of the Shrew and 10 Things I Hate About You balance romance and rebellion, making them the perfect foundation for satirical retelling. I wanted to challenge the unrealistic stereotypes of romantic comedies while still embracing the fun of their exaggerated characters and stylistic conventions.
In a way, it’s a parody of itself – using Shakespeare’s wit to deconstruct the outdated idea of “taming” women, while poking fun at the rom-com genre and pushing what it means to be ‘love obsessed.’
These concepts resonated deeply with me, and I loved the idea of exploring it with a full female cast. The extreme romantic gestures in teen films – sometimes bordering on obsession – also intrigued me. I wanted to explore this idea of the “teen love bubble,” where heightened emotions blind characters to the complexities of relationships and identity.
More importantly, I wanted to give female characters agency – to let them speak their minds, challenge social pressures and reclaim their voices. This concept felt especially relevant to the Pymble community and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, making it all the more exciting to bring to life. And, of course, mixing Shakespearean dialogue with 90s grunge culture was just too fun to resist!
What do you love most about working on this production?
The best part is the creative freedom – taking familiar moments and twisting them in unexpected ways. I was able to expand the cast to fit the needs of a large ensemble while ensuring every performer had a meaningful contribution. Many of the best comedic moments emerged organically from rehearsals, inspired by the cast’s energy and ideas.
Because it’s a parody, we get to heighten the humour, exaggerate characters and play with iconic tropes – all while offering a fresh feminist lens. The fusion of Shakespearean language with 90s slang creates such a unique dynamic, and it’s been incredible watching the cast embrace the absurdity while still finding the heart of the story. And, let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a good 90s throwback?
What will audiences enjoy the most?
Audiences will love the humour, the bold characters, and the way this show flips classic romantic tropes on their head. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast, a 90s rom-com fan or just someone who enjoys a fast-paced, clever comedy, there’s something for everyone.
The blend of Shakespearean wit with teen movie drama is both ridiculous and brilliant. Plus, the soundtrack, the iconic 90s aesthetic, and the sheer energy of the show will transport you straight back to the days of mixtapes, flannel shirts and angsty love confessions. It’s a nostalgic rollercoaster packed with humour, heart, and just the right amount of chaos.
To book your tickets CLICK HERE, and don’t miss out on the show of a lifetime featuring these talented drama students!
Rebecca York
Co-curricular Drama Co-ordinator