Romeo & Juliet

This production is set in post-war Vienna, and this provides an excellent context for this story. The volatile and electric cultural atmosphere in the the play is well captured in this historical period. The production also goes a long way in reproducing the period including fabulous small details such as providing ID cards to each of the audience members and using this as a way to connect with the performers. This attention to detail works well to reinforce the era and the ambience.

The essential elements of the story are maintained in this production, but greater emphasis and space is given to the role of Nurse (Amanda McKay), who is Juliet’s strongest ally. McKay provides a standout performance captivating the audience with her commanding and amusing presence. John Vizcay-Wilson is also striking in his vivid performance of Mercutio. Romeo (Oliver Tapp) and Juliet (Marlena Thomson) are well cast although the chemistry between them could be more energetic or emphatic. 

Melbourne Shakespeare Company frequently excels at outdoor theatre and their musical and fun-filled approach to the texts often makes the productions highly entertaining and accessible. Central Park, Malvern offers a very picturesque and evocative setting, and the simple set design (Silvia Shao) exploits these aspects of the location. The costume design (Leah Fitzgerald-Quinn) is faithful to the period and works well with characterisation, especially in the case of Paris (Asher Griffith-Jones). The flamboyance of the costuming is nicely accentuated by Griffith-Jones’s comical posturing.  

The music in the show is well thought out and beautifully executed, especially when the cast sings as an ensemble. Solo numbers sometimes require stronger voices, especially in the expanse of this outdoor setting which already presents significant challenges for vocal projection. The closing number of the show is particularly tender and effectively highlights the tragedy of what is clearly the world’s most famous love story.

Patricia Di Risio