Romeo and Juliet

Graduate Dramatic Society’s 2022 Shakespeare production is Romeo and Juliet, a modern dress production that uses the New Fortune Theatre’s entire space in an energetic, emotive presentation.

The New Fortune Theatre resembles the layout of the Fortune Playhouse, and in a nod to the original performance style, although performances are held in the evening, audience and stage are equally lit. Welcomed into the space by actors in character, audiences are kept on their toes throughout the performance with action happening in the audience space, while they may also be recruited to help the show. Minimal furnishings and properties are employed from a very practical design by Jane Tero.

The title roles are played with youth, vitality and passion by Joe Haworth and Astrid Dainton, both genuine convincing and very likeable - who keep us invested in the story.

Director Sarah Guillot chose modern dress for this show to highlight the similarities between the young people of Shakespeare’s play and the youth of today - and much of the strength in this comes from the highly energetic and invested performance of the younger characters. Ellis Kinnear (nursing a knee energy which fails to slow him down) is an emotive Tybalt. Benvolia is expertly played by Grace Edwards in a highly physical performance, and her singing is a highlight. Benvolia has a closer than usual relationship with Mercutio, who is given fire and oomph by Oliver Clare.

Solid supporting performances from the parental figures - the Montagues (Tony Petani and Sarah Thillagaratham) and Capulets (Ed Stowers and Genevieve Moran), while Jess Lally is authoritative and impressive as the Prince. Libby Stone, although hard to hear at times, shows a genuine affection for Juliet.

Ruhama Rowe gives depth to Friar Lawrence, while Jason Dohle wins audience sympathies as the unfortunate Paris. Megan Lilley finds some great moments and improvises well as Chorus.

The cast is nicely completed by Celia Andrews, Shivas Lindsay, Megan Lindsay, Sophie Strahan, Sebastian Boyd, and Kaitlyn Barry. 

This incarnation of Romeo and Juliet would be a great production to introduce teens to Shakespeare as its physicality, great fight scenes (choreographed well by Natassja Kruger) and liberal use of blood gives this show an action movie feel. 

Easy to watch Shakespeare that never takes itself completely seriously but has a great deal of genuine emotion and passion. Well worth a look, especially for those who like their Shakespeare fresh and fun.

Kimberley Shaw