A very new Romeo and Juliet at the Hackney Empire
- Neil Kennan
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 27
O Neil, Neil! Wherefore art thou Neil? Well, I'm at the Hackney Empire to see their new co-production with Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic of Romeo and Juliet. Before the show even begins we are treated to elements that delight. Copies of The Verona Gazette (with the headline: Who Did It?) are handed out. There's a polling booth where you can cast your vote for either Capulet or Montague, with live updates projected onto the stage curtain.
So what makes this stand out from the numerous other stage and film adaptations? How about the cast seamlessly blending Shakespeare's verse and prose with elements of rap, soul, and R&B courtesy of a slick band and choir, performing in full view atop Simon Kenny's stylish set? That's a good start. Performance-wise, all the leads are strong, some making their debuts, others more familiar. Of particularly note is Dillon Scott-Lewis as Mercutio, who [spoiler alert] comes to a sticky end at the violent climax of the first half. A warning to those of a squeamish disposition, the rhymes aren't all that flows!
This is an entertaining and fresh take on a classic, with contemporary aspects demonstrating that the subject matter - love, conflict, family, death, honour, the folly of youth - is as relevant now as it ever was.
"Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast", Friar Laurence advises Romeo. However, you'll need to get your skates on if you want to catch this run as it finishes on Saturday.
Production Photos Credit: Nicola Young Photography
Venue: Hackney Empire
291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ
Dates: Friday 25th - Saturday 26th
Tickets: From £16
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