ROMEO AND JULIET. To 7 June.
Newcastle-under-Lyme.
ROMEO AND JULIET
by Wiliam Shakespeare.
Northern Broadsides in conjunction with New Vic Theatre. To 15 March then tour to 7 June.
For details and tour schedule see Timothy Ramsden's review of this production.
Review: Ranjit Khutan. 26 February 2008.
With reviewsgate reviewers flocking to Newcastle-under-Lyme, here's the view of one of our men in the West Midlands.
Shakespeare’s immensely romantic and much loved play is brought to life by Northern Broadsides at the New Vic Theatre. An enchanting original music score, stunning masks, and a multi-talented cast make this a delightful production full of romance and breathtaking anticipation.
The setting is Verona, the theme is love and the focus is on two feuding families – the Capulets and the Montagues - and an unfortunate pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. Throw in a few murders, and a clever plot that revolves around their desire to be together and you have a wonderful classic tale of love and passion.
Director Barrie Rutter’s beautifully articulated production is well honed and respects the original play. Although he chooses to dress the actors in modern garb and utilises local accents, this does not detract from the underlying story and enables modern audiences to follow the intricate storylines.
While I am drawn to single out Benedict Fogarty’s punchy and slick Romeo, Sue McCormick’s lovable nurse and Sarah Ridgeway’s sweet, innocent, yet powerful Juliet; the remaining cast serve the play well. They are multitalented bunch – not only providing powerful and moving performances in their respectful roles, but in the musical sound-scapes that they create at various points throughout. Of particular noteworthiness are the whole cast masked dance and Pete Toon’s powerful trombone performance during the party scene.
Barrie Rutter is a busy man – he is the founder and artistic director of Northern Broadsides, he directs this play and plays one of the roles. His passion for theatre is injected into the very heart of this play and provides what is a seamless and flawless production.
Gregory/Balthasar: Matt Sutton.
Sampson/Peter: Thomas Dyer Blake.
Abram/ Friar John: Liam Gerrard.
Benvolio: Chris Nayak.
Tybalt: Chris Pearse.
Montague/Apothecary: Jem Dobbs.
Lady Montague/Page: Kate-Lynne Hocking.
Lady Capulet: Lisa Howard.
Capulet: Barrie Rutter.
Prince: David Beckford.
Romeo: Benedict Fogarty.
Paris: Chris Hollinshead.
Nurse: Sue McCormick.
Juliet: Sarah Ridgeway.
Mercutio: Peter Toon.
Friar Lawrence: Fine Time Fontayne.
Director: Barrie Rutter.
Designer: Lis Evans.
Lighting: Daniella Beattie.
Composer: Conrad Nelson.
Choreographer: Sue Coe.
Fight director: Kate Waters.
2008-03-03 00:12:48