ROMEO AND JULIET. To 24 August.
Exeter
ROMEO AND JULIET
by William Shakespeare
Northcott Theatre Exeter at Rougemont Gardens, Exeter To 24 August 2002
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mats 3, 17 August 2.30pm
Runs 2hr 45min One interval
TICKETS 01392 493493
Review Hazel Brown 23 July
A well-rounded production, enhanced by imaginative use of outdoor settingThere's a note of menace, as a slow drum beat heralds the start of the action and the black-cloaked, masked figure of the Chorus sweeps along the long, snaking walkway from the back of the Gardens. The brawling townspeople of Verona clatter down through the audience and the warring factions are defined.
The fights throughout are muscular and brutish, giving an extra poignancy to the tenderness of the love story when it unfolds. These are not an effete collection of young men, but fighters, with a camaraderie borne from the dangers of their situation. James Chalmers' snarling, lip-curling hatred as Tybalt contrasts with Giles Fagan's mocking, mischievous, ironic performance as Mercutio. There is a wonderful moment when, having already mocked Tybalt's fighting style, Mercutio turns with a knowing look to the audience as Tybalt advances on him whirling two swords.
There is a nice contrast in the playing of the two lovers. Daniel Hawksford is a rash, strong and impetuous Romeo, whilst Eva Bartley is lovely as a charming, kittenish Juliet. She is especially delightful as she waits impatiently for news of Romeo from her Nurse. Joanna Brookes as the Nurse is a fond and loving cockney, bawdy, breathless and funny. There is a neat parallel drawn in the relationship between Juliet and her Nurse and between Romeo and Friar Lawrence. Both young people find the love and understanding there that is lacking in their dutiful relationships with their parents.
The love scenes of Juliet and her Romeo and the final death scenes are moving, enhanced by the clever lighting and a simple set that makes good use of the outdoor setting. The raked seating is under cover, but I would advise bringing a cushion: this is a summer production well worth seeing.
Chorus/Prince Escales/Peter: Finn Caldwell
Benvolio: William Oxborrow
Tybalt :James Chalmers
Capulet: Peter Jonfield
Lady Capulet: Louise Bangay
Montague/Apothecary: Peter Reeves
Romeo: Daniel Hawksford
Paris: Jamie Pigott
Nurse: Joanna Brookes
Juliet: Eva Bartley
Mercutio/Friar John: Giles Fagan
Friar Lawrence: Steve Bennett
Director: Ben Crocker
Designer/Costume: Sara Perks
Lighting: Russell Payne
Composer/Musical Director: Peter Kyrke-Smith
Computer Music: Alistair Swanger
Fight director: Renny Krupinski
Choreographer: Tracey Tickle
2002-07-31 02:26:15