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Review - Romeo And Juliet (RSC)

November 12, 2008

Date Reviewed: 12th November, 2008
Venue: The Lowry

star

Anyone who takes on the Bard’s tale of two star-crossed lovers has a hard task, as it’s really difficult to breathe new life into such a familiar piece. You can update and tweak all you want, but the passion and excitement must remain.

Neil Bartlett’s new RSC production has an epic quality making the play seem fresh, but at the same time quaint and old fashioned, due to Kandis Cook’s sparse set design. From the opening scene, whereby the stage is filled with witnesses, there is no doubting that Bartlett wants to take us back to basics and not add gimmicks, often associated with modern takes on Shakespeare’s work.

He achieves this in part, due to the brilliant young leads. David Dawson is an enigmatic and foppish Romeo, completely blinded by love, at whatever cost. The striking Anneika Rose, also delivers an eye-catching turn, as she imbues her young lover, Juliet with so much self belief and determination, that she leaves you willing them on. Their chemistry is also a joy to behold, which leads to many touching moments.

The rest of the cast are all accomplished and lend the play the gravitas that you come to expect from the RSC. In particular, Julie Legrand, whose Nurse is a witty, loyal lady; unafraid but shocked at the escalating violence which ensues.

Trading swords for knives might seem obvious, but as in West Side Story, it works and is of course, socially relevant when you read the headlines in any newspaper today.

I personally missed the actual balcony, as this wooing scene can be beautifully rendered, when you witness Romeo on the ground, declaring his love for Juliet. But Bartlett keeps both actors on the same level, which almost removes any sense of the great divide between these two warring families.

But, minor quibble aside, this is a dreamy, romantic, yet violent production, which captures the beauty and danger of young love with some truly gripping scenes.

Like their recent Comedy Of Errors, the RSC fill the stage with musicians, which adds a live soundtrack to this sweeping tale and the effect is stunning.

The audience on the night attended loved this classic romance and as long as you are prepared for the 3 plus hours running time, this R&J still enthralls and excites.

“Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love.”

-Glenn Meads

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Comments

2 Responses to “Review - Romeo And Juliet (RSC)”

  1. ailsa reynolds on November 17th, 2008 12:34 pm

    My daughters and I so disagree with your review and found this production to be a huge disappointment. Whilst I accept that some of this was down to environmental factors ( we were some way from the stage and found it difficult to hear) this was flat and lifeless. Suggestions of a vibrant production full of passion and violence failed to materialise and the characters appeared to deliver their lines as if they were reciting them.The only ones with anything about hem were Juliet and the nurse.There was no drama and very little emotion. From one of the country`s leading theatre companies this was a damp squib and we expected so much better. It was a trial to get through the first half and we then unanimously agreed to leave at the interval.
    By the way we all love Shakespeare!!

  2. B Hobbs on December 4th, 2008 8:54 pm

    Well I, and everybody I went with, was absolutely enthralled by the play. I think it bore some similarity to Baz Luhrmann’s film in a way in its appeal to younger people like me. I cannot believe the previous response was so negative! David Dawson was so engaging; it was so easy to understand why Juliet would instantly fall in love with him. I really felt like I was actually in the play at some points as well-there was great engagement with the audience-when Tybalt left in a rage by the exit where we were sitting it was bloody scary actually! Would recommend this to anyone!

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