The West Australian Ballet is geared up for a little Shakespeare. Their forthcoming production of the erstwhile romantic comedy The Taming of the Shrew is sure to be huge, especially since it’s John Cranko’s full Stuttgart Ballet production. But wait… there’s more. Plenty more.

This significant coup for the WA Ballet comes complete with a score by Kurt-Heinze Stoize, played live by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and conducted by international guest conductor Myron Romanul. There will also be lavish stage sets and stunning costumes courtesy of Elizabeth Dalton plus the amazing choreography of Cranko himself. Add the special guest appearance of Filip Barankiewicz, who will arrive direct from the Stuttgart Ballet two weeks before the production opens, and it quickly becomes apparent how big this production will be.

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Amid it all, is Daryl Brandwood, who took time out from preparing for his role as the second male lead to chat with OUTinPerth.

The Taming of the Shrew has suddenly moved forward in the WA Ballet program from September to May. How come?

We were originally performing at the end of September and doing Nutcracker at this time. Nutcracker, being a new ballet, there were whole sets commissioned and they were not going to have the sets built and up on time. So, they changed it with The Taming of the Shrew, which had all the sets and costumes ready to go.

Can you tell our readers a little about the history of this production?

It was created for the Stuttgart Ballet in 1969. Since then it’s been performed by major ballets across the world. The Australian Ballet performed it in 1986, and we’re quite lucky to have been commissioned to perform it.

What’s your background in ballet?

I Joined the WA Ballet in 1990, but have also worked with The Australian Ballet, The Australian Dance Theatre and Ballet Met, which is a company in Ohio in America. I’ve worked with about four different directors here over the years, and I’ve always been lucky to be asked back or accepted back

What do you think of the current state of ballet here in Australia?

It’s such a vast field but I think there are some incredible companies and choreographers around, but that said it is quite hard for contemporary upcoming choreographers.

The Taming of the Shrew opens at His Majesty’s Theatre on May 16 and runs until May 31. Booking through BOCS Ticketing on (08) 9484 1133. www.bocsticketing.com.au