Thursday, 4 October 2018

Theatre Review - ROMEO AND JULIET





Romeo & Juliet
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Anna Dobson
People’s Theatre
Stephenson Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5QF
www.peoplestheatre.co.uk
2nd -  6th October 2018

We were delighted to have the opportunity to see the latest offering from Newcastle’s People’s Theatre. The newly redeveloped entrance foyer and bar area is stunning and sets the standard of this impeccably run amateur theatre group.

We ventured into the 500-seat theatre to see what is arguably the most famous of Shakespeare’s plays.

The set would not have looked out of place gracing a theatre in the West End of London, with excellent use of the height and depth of the stage area with creative lighting setting a post First World War ‘Beaky Blinders’ theme.

This decision from the director provided a darkness to gang culture that the audience to could buy into whilst also allowing scope for the wardrobe to excel cementing the period look.

It was a pacey start with a rainbow of accents from the cast and some very effective stylised fight scenes. The two lead characters Craig Fairbairn (Romeo) and Emma Jane Richards (Juliet) both exuded confidence in their roles, clearly enjoying the opportunity to play the famous lovers.
With a little bit of singing and live music adding to recordings of Nic Cave and the like we were absorbed into the world of feuding families, violence and love.

The whole cast is to be congratulated for delivering an excellent play with not one weak link.  Well done to Peoples Theatre! 100 years and going strong.

7.30pm to 10.20pm with 20 min interval


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