Romeo and Juliet is probably William Shakespeare’s best known romantic tragedy and most of us are familiar with the story of the two ‘star crossed lovers’. This production aims to introduce newcomers to the Bard while making it accessible to everyone. It is not just another interpretation of the play but an inspired retelling of the tale capturing the essence of the story in a relaxed, modern setting.
An accessible and engaging Romeo and Juliet
This is a play within a play. At the beginning the actors are all waiting, excited and anxious, in line for an audition when a Romeo and Juliet script falls from the sky and, after some discussion, they begin to take on the roles. They use key speeches from the play to draw the audience into the story. Captions on large screens above the stage and British Sign Language interpreters are seamlessly included around the stage adding to the accessibility and magic.
Romeo and Juliet is usually a sad, serious tale of two teenagers, one a Montague, the other a Capulet, two families that are sworn enemies. Against all the odds, they fall in love but are destined never to be together. Surprisingly, this version managed to draw out the humour and fun in the play, like a breath of fresh air. Unexpectedly, there are many moments that make you smile. Look out for sunglasses being used as masks at the ball and cartoon sketches on the screens!
A performance that excelled
All the actors excelled in their ability to project a new approach to performing Shakespeare (that I’m sure he would have approved of!).
Choosing individual performances to highlight is difficult but, Niamh Longford (Juliet) brilliantly interpreted the rhythm of her lines into modern day speech. Rheanon Lee (Lady Capulet) has to be commended for her outburst, aimed at Juliet, when she realises her daughter doesn’t wish to marry Paris, her father’s choice. Reece Pantry (who played Mercutio and Friar Laurence) showed a flexible strength of acting ability particularly, towards the end of the show, delivering the line “And this is where it all goes wrong”!
This Romeo and Juliet is directed by Jenny Sealey and is a co production of two companies in association with Theatre by the Lake. Firstly, the Shakespeare North Playhouse, based in Prescot, Liverpool which opened in 2022 and is home to the only 17th-century style timber built ‘cockpit’ theatre outside London. And secondly, Graeae Theatre Company, which for over 40 years has cultivated and championed the best in deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent locally, nationally and internationally, providing a platform for new generations of artists through the creation of trailblazing theatre.
On show until 26 October at Theatre by the Lake
This beautiful, timeless play of forbidden love is now re-imagined and brought to life for a new audience and should not be missed. By the curtain down there will certainly be the buzz of discussion in the audience.
Romeo and Juliet is showing from 12 to 26 October at Theatre by the Lake. More information can be found at www.theatrebythelake.com
