Romeo and Juliet

‘Tis no mean feat to perform under the stars at any time, but imagine competing against very gusty sea breezes, the high-pitched chattering of a colony of bats and the possibility of summer rain! Despite such unpredictable conditions, the energetic cast and crew of this year’s Bard on the Beach productions are bringing Shakespeare’s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, and the hilarious characters of The Merry Wives of Windsor to various outdoor locations across Sydney and a short indoor season at The Greek Theatre at Marrickville.

The Rotunda at Balmoral Beach provides an excellent setting for the beginning of the 2017 season and directors Patricia and Kyle Rowling have made excellent use of this beautiful, old, high-domed pavilion. Built in 1930, it lends itself to Shakespearean-style theatre, originally played with few props, relying only on the Bard’s words and the actors to bring the characters and their plights to life.

The young cast members of Romeo and Juliet do just that. Despite the challenge of the elements (last night the blustery wind and squealing bats), their unamplified voices ring clearly and their characters are distinctly defined.

Adam Garden and Jade Alex Fuda play the lovers, he with subdued introspection at the beginning as he be-moans the lady Rosalind’s lack of interest in his romantic advances, and later with greater energy and passion as he meets Juliet and realises the implications of falling in love with the daughter of his family’s bitter enemy.

Jade Alex Fuda is impressive as Juliet, especially in her first soliloquy, where emotions shine as clearly in her face as they do in her interpretation of the beautifully delivered lines. She finds the real ‘teenager’ of Shakepeare’s Juliet, the impulsive thrill of first love, the impetuous reactions to parental control, the ability to use girlish wiles to get her way, and the unfortunate surrender to despair.

Juxtaposing the tragic couple are the characters of Mercutio and the Nurse. Both characters mitigate the tragedy at times, and under astute direction in this production provide the comic relief that lifts the play.

Robert Snars brings carefully sustained energy and humour to his portrayal of Mercutio, delighting the young members of the audience (“Look, this one is funny!”) until his untimely death. His delivery of the famous ‘Queen Mab’ speech is both perspicacious and entertaining.

As the Nurse, Jess Vince-Moin uses excellent timing and definitive pace to find the humour – and the pathos – of the woman who supports Juliet through her joy and her anguish, and carefully protects her from her parents’ wrath.

Robert Gray plays a loyal but diffident Benvolio. Samantha Meisner is strong as Lady Capulet, supporting her husband played by Martin Estridge with perhaps just a little too much rage at times. Mark Zihrul is an understanding and sympathetic Friar Lawrence. All double in other roles, as do Simon Lee (Paris and Peter) and Theo Kokkinidis (Tybalt and the Apothecary) as well as selling programs and raffle tickets and collecting donations after the performance in true ensemble form.

Carol Wimmer