Review: ROMEO AND JULIET, Theatre Royal Stratford East

Photo credit: Charlie Flint

At this time of year, many of our more enlightened and community-conscious theatres find ways of opening up their stages to young people, especially to those with hopes of an acting career. Such activities are always to be applauded although they do not always produce great theatre; but Romeo and Juliet at Theatre Royal Stratford East is an exception.

This co-production between TRSE and Sadler’s Wells East is a triumph of talent and organisation, and also results in a performance that is pacy, thrilling and authentic. Considering its young cast, the speaking of Shakespeare’s verse is clear, always audible and with evidence that the speakers understand what they are saying, with them only occasionally over-emphasising the rhymes where they occur.

The cast of 18-25 year old actors and dancers come from the Stratford East Young Company and the Learning and Engagement programme at Sadler’s Wells East, and are joined by older actors from the Community Company. The cast also includes two professional actors: Natasha Lewis as a heart-felt Lady Capulet and Michael Grady-Hall as a shaman-like and convincing Brother Laurence. Casting the two professionals in these roles is a clever idea, enabling the young performers to learn from them and act with them. The displays in the foyer give a hint at the work that has gone into understanding and engaging with this text.

Kwame Owusu’s adaptation cuts the play to a headlong 90 minutes without an interval, retaining much of Shakespeare’s verse and ensuring clarity. Choreographer Malik Nashad Sharpe co-directs with Emily Ling Williams on Liam Bunster’s adaptable modern setting. A large team of creatives support the cast, and a special mention should go to Fight Director Sam Lyon-Behan for the convincing, savage and rapid combat scenes. These are not stylised combats but acts of impulse, as soon regretted as they are started, and entirely suited to the setting of the play.

Romeo and Juliet, with its tale of young love thwarted, emotions out of hand and headlong descent into knife violence, is an appropriate choice for a young inner city cast who must, in some cases, have had experience of such issues. Essentially authentically violent, this production also has passages of lyricism and love which are greatly enhanced by the casting of dancers as the inner selves of the central pair, easily identified by wearing the same costume. The tender relationship between Druv Bhudia’s forthright Romeo and Shakira Paulas’ authentically teenaged Juliet is beautifully enhanced by the dancing of Louis Donovan and Praeploy Pam Tomuan. Their dances are, for us, among the highlights of the performance.

Rethought as a companion of Juliet, the nurse character is played younger than is usual by Joy Adeogun, who makes a convincing best friend. There are strong performances too from Andi Rroku as Tybalt and Nissy Valeria Suárez Maldonado as Mercutio. Bre Francis is a commanding and well-spoken Princess and DJ Louise Rowe makes much of a role created by the adaptor. The dance breaks in the action drive the plot forward, create momentum and are a delight to watch.

The Stratford adaptation of Romeo and Juliet runs for only three days but deserves to attract full houses. It is not only an excellent example of the what the arts can offer to young people; it is also an inventive, fast-paced and enthralling adaptation of Shakespeare’s text.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Chris Abbott

Romeo and Juliet plays at Theatre Royal Stratford East until 9 August, with further info here.