Theatre News

Matthew Bourne announces new production of Romeo and Juliet

New Adventures will stage a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s tragedy

Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet
(© Johan Persson)

Matthew Bourne and his company New Adventures will stage a new production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, it has been announced.

The show will open in May 2019 at Leicester Curve, before heading out on a tour, including a four-week run at Sadler's Wells.

Romeo and Juliet will be a contemporary reimagining of the original play. Building on the process New Adventures used with Lord of the Flies, the company will be made up of professional dancers from the New Adventures company as well as dancers aged 16 to 19, found in a call-out for the next generation of dancers. The title roles will be played by six New Adventures rising stars and two new dancers making their professional debuts.

Starring in the piece will be Cordelia Braithwaite, Seren Williams and Bryony Harrison as Juliet. Romeo will be performed by Andrew Monaghan, Paris Fitzpatrick and João Carolino. Harrison Dowzell and Bryony Wood will also be making their professional debuts as Romeo and Juliet.

Full cast will be announced shortly.

The piece will be directed and choreographed by Bourne, with Etta Murfitt as associate artistic director, set and costume design by Lez Brotherston; lighting by Paule Constable; sound by Paul Groothuis; and new orchestrations of the Prokofiev score by Terry Davies.

The score will be played live by the New Adventures Orchestra and conducted by Brett Morris.

Previous New Adventures dance reimaginings include Swan Lake, The Red Shoes, The Car Man, Edward Scissorhands and Highland Fling.