ROMEO & JULIET | STAGE REVIEW
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Tues 7 Oct
So Shakespeare’s legendary (and much depicted) tale of two feuding families in Verona, and the forbidden romance of two young things from each side, gets the Sherman treatment.
If you’re not familiar with the tale Romeo & Juliet is the story of Romeo Montague (Chris Gordon) and Juliet Capulet (Sophie Melville). They are from rival families but meet at a ball and fall madly, truly, deeply in love.
This is a classic Shakespearean tragedy, however, and things don’t go well for the pair of ‘star crossed lovers’. After the ball, Juliet’s cousin Tybalt (Luke Eliott Bridgeman) gets into a fight with Romeo’s friend Mercutio (Scott Reid). Mercutio is slay in the altercation and, grief stricken at the loss of his dear friend, Romeo takes his revenge on Tybalt. As a result Romeo is banished from Verona for his crime, and is torn away from his beloved Juliet.
It’s a tale as old as time but the director, Rachel O’Riordan, certainly has injected some new life into the play. Gone are the swords, doublets and horses and in are the tracksuits, high-heels and shopping trolleys.
If there is one thing that O’Riordan and her crew certainly know it is how to create atmosphere – the set is a dirty grey alley, plastered in faded posters and litter. This added a dirty edge which made the fights seem rougher and the love more passionate.
The acting was also superb. Melville and Gordon were obviously the focus of the play, and both depicted great depth of emotion in their roles. Melville, in particular, brought a desperate sadness to Juliet when she finds Romeo is banished from Verona.
They were just strong actors in the company of many, however, as Anita Reynolds (Juliet’s Nurse) and Sara Lloyd-Gregory (Lady Capulet) easily stole the show at points.
If there are any problems with the play I would say that the text itself could do with a little editing. Shakespeare isn’t really known for his brevity, and the longer monologues do slow down the overall pace. The music can also be a little jarring between scenes. Though it did fit the overall tone of the play, it could come in a little sudden and loud.
Overall, Rachel O’Riordan’s directorial debut for the Sherman is a hit and worth the trip for those who love their classical tales with a new edge.
words EMMA JARRETT
Romeo & Juliet, Sherman Cymru Theatre, Cardiff, Until Sat 18 Oct. Tickets: £6 – £25. Info: www.shermancymru.co.uk
