This production by Dominic Dromgoole, designed by Simon Daw, gave a claustrophobic intensity to the drama, while the music composed by Nigel Hess with choreography by Sian Williams helped lighten the atmosphere. As Romeo we had Adetomiwa Edun giving a passionate performance, and commanding the stage with his presence. Unfortunately I found Ellie Kendrick’s Juliet no match for him, and one wondered why he and Paris took any interest in this dull girl. Rawiri Paratene was an impassioned Friar Lawrence, Ian Redford an irascibly intense Capulet, Ukweli Roach a sneeringly dangerous Tybalt, and Fergal McElherron was superbly engaging as Peter, a servant in the Capulet household. These men made the drama work, aided by Philip Cambus as a slightly wild Mercutio, Jack Farthing as an emollient Benvolio, Tom Stuart as a keen and callow Paris, Penny Laden as the nurse, and Andrew Vincent showing good stage presence as prince of Verona. The fight scenes were entirely convincing, and I thought the monks carrying Juliet’s body through the audience in the pit added a very effective touch. Altogether a successful production of the play, though I wish the nurse, Juliet and her mother had come over a little more strongly.
Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews 