Theatre Review: Romeo and Juliet @ The New Vic

It was another fabulous night at the New Vic as the theatre brought their updated version of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet to the stage.

I am sure that there will be many purists of the Bard’s work will have entered the auditorium a little apprehensively as the pre-show publicity had proudly announced that the star-crossed lovers were not wet behind the ears teenagers but a pair of forty somethings who had been around the block a few times.

In truth, this apprehension would be misplaced as the production followed the original route pretty faithfully and there was enough of the language used by the Stratford-on-Avon playwright to keep most aficionados more than satisfied while there were enough modern twists and comedic interludes to make this a show with a real difference.

The story is so well known that it is superfluous to repeat it here. Capulet (Lizzie Hopley) is desperate to see her daughter Juliet (Natalie Casey) married off and she believes that she has found the perfect life-partner for her in Paris (David Nellist) – an over the hill but extremely rich potential swain.

These plans are very much thrown to the wind when her daughter literally bumps into Romeo (Russell Kane) who has gate-crashed her birthday party. Juliet shares her inner thoughts with her Nurse (Louis Haggerty) and fellow servant Peter (Andrew Butler) but there is a major barrier to the success of the relationship. There is a deadly feud between the Montagues and Capulets – the families of the enamoured couple

With a secret wedding ceremony having been enacted by the Friar (Patrick Knowles), Juliet must find a way to deny Paris and it is believed that the priest has found a solution. Sadly, the message regarding Juliet’s “death” never reaches her beloved. This allows the creation of a tear-jerking final scene.

Credit must go to Casting Associate Anji Carroll for her inspired pairing of Casey and Kane. Having viewed much of their previous work the thought was that these actors may be out of their comfort zone. The truth is that they blended together so well and there was an evident chemistry between them.

There were powerful performances from all cast members including the above mentioned and Ray Sesay (Mercutio) and Kieran Foster (Benvolio)

Casey rolled back the years to put some of the cute teenager from Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps into her performance while Kane set aside his comedic past to put his buff body into good use.

There was something for everybody from the creative team. The senses were truly awakened by the set and costumes designed by Loren Elstein and lighting and sound designed by Daniella Beattie and Patch Middleton respectively.

Movement was well choreographed by PaddyJoe Martin and special mention must be made to two other creatives. Kenan Ali Directed some awesome fight scenes that had just the right amount of violence within them while Intimacy Co-ordinator Kim Wright’s work allowed Kane and Casey to fully realise their roles of people who had found their lifetime partners.

Director Jimmy Fairhurst must be rightly proud of the work of his creative team.

There were some memorable scenes – none better than the final highly emotional scene which saw the families united in grief as the souls of the lovers set off on their final journey, all accompanied by a gorgeous lament sung by Haggerty. Special mention must also be made of Butler who had some fabulous interaction with the audience. In fact, there is every chance you will meet a cast member at some point before the play starts as they are scattered around the theatre.

This is a production that deserves a second viewing. A hectic first act may prove overpowering to some but it all makes sense as the drama unfolds in a beautifully performed Second Act. It would be lovely to enjoy this magnificent piece of theatre again and not have the mind racing to keep up with the opening scenes.

That said this is highly recommended. Good theatre, where art thou? Most definitely at the New Vic once again. Another smash hit.

Romeo and Juliet continues until October 10^th and has a running time of 2 hours 50 minutes including interval. For ticket information contact 01782 717962