Two local actors are preparing to set the stage alight at this year's Wells Theatre Festival as they take on the lead roles in Shakespeare's fiery comedy, The Taming of the Shrew.

Professionally trained performers Martyn Jessop and Jennie Harris will play the sparring couple Petruccio and Katherina in one of the Bard's most talked-about works — with a modern twist that will leave audiences wondering who really has the upper hand.

The Wells Theatre Festival, which opens for booking on 30 April, promises a packed line-up with old favourites and new productions from some of the country's most exciting touring theatre companies. The festival is backed by patrons Dame Judi Dench and Sir Richard Eyre.

At the heart of the festival, as always, is the community Shakespeare production, directed and produced by husband and wife team Ros and Neil Johnson, whose backgrounds include the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

Following last year's sell-out performance of Macbeth, which the Mayor of Wells, Cllr Jasmine Browne, described as "the best she had ever seen", expectations are high.

This year, The Taming of the Shrew will see Jennie Harris take on the role of strong-willed Katherina, while Martyn Jessop steps into the shoes of the loud, stubborn Petruccio, a man convinced he can 'tame' his bride-to-be — but soon finds himself facing a battle he may not win.

Martyn, who trained at Northbrook Performing Arts College and Bristol Acting Academy, said: "For me Petruccio can't be diluted down for the sake of a modern audience — he must be as absurd as possible to highlight the themes of the play so they can be challenged."

Jennie, who graduated from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in 2021 and has already impressed festival audiences in Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night, said: "I've focused on the quietness of Katherine not necessarily her anger (although she is feisty). I've come to learn that she is always looking for something: fairness, peace, passion. Petruccio sees this in her and, in a way, it mirrors his personality too."

She added: "As challenging and somewhat troubling as some of the scenes are, I admire her confidence, authenticity to herself, her belief in love and hope for a change right through to the end of the play. She inspires that in me and will do for a modern audience."

Rehearsals are already under way, with the production promising a fresh take on a classic story of love, defiance and equality.

Tickets and more information about the Wells Theatre Festival are available at www.wellstheatrefestival.org.