"Today's idea of what constitutes a servant is quite different from the servants that Shakespeare writes", says Julian. "Much of Grumio's words signal that he's seen and done most of what goes on before, and is enjoying watching how his friend and, almost coincidentally, boss Petruchio will fare in his adventure."

Combining the twin roles of servant and friend presented new challenges for Julian. "I found it quite hard to get a feel for how to bring this character to life as friend, co-conspirator and yet still subordinate of Petruchio until Lance and Mike came up with the Mafia concept, and after that I realised that Grumio's relationship is like a Lieutenant to Petruchio's Capo, something like Paulie Walnut's relationship to Tony Soprano!"