Ryan Metcalfe and Simon Gordon from Metcalfe Gordon Productions have announced a new filmed theatre production of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
Directed by Nick Evans, this new filmed production of Romeo and Juliet will see Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen) and Emily Redpath (P**n Flakes for Spilt Milk) starring as the star-crossed lovers.
The cast is also set to include Brandon Bassir (a Grammy and NAACP nominated songwriter and a 2020 graduate from Guildhall) as Mercutio, Daniel Bowerbank (a recent RADA graduate) as Benvolio, Jonny Labey (Paul Coker in EastEnders, Scott Hastings in Baz Luhrmann’s original West End cast of Strictly Ballroom at the Piccadilly Theatre) as Paris, Sylvester Akinrolabu (recent graduate of the London College of Music) as Tybalt, Helen Anker (Tanya in Mamma Mia! UK and International Tour) as Capulet, Mark Ozall (John Major in season 4 of The Crown) as Montague, Lucy Tregear (Room at Stratford East and Abbey Theatre Dublin) as Nurse, Vinta Morgan (Claudius in Hamlet, Duke of Alba in Don Carlos) as Friar, Jessica Murrain (Macbeth at The Globe, Peter Pan at the National Theatre/Troubadour Theatre White City) as Prince, Timmy Driscoll (a 2020 graduate from Performers College) as Sam, Tats Nyazika (since graduating in 2019, credits include Comedy of Errors with Two Gents Productions, a short film Irreversible with the National Film & Television School and the government’s current Hand, Face, Space coronavirus campaign advert) as Gregory, Iskandar Eton (a 2020 graduate from Mountview) as Abe and Ollie Tennant (a 2020 graduate from Mountview, making his professional debut) as Balthasar.
Talking about the news Producers Ryan Metcalfe and Simon Gordon said: “During a time when it has not been possible to produce shows in venues, this first of its kind production uses ground-breaking technology to film a high production value theatrical performance without the cast and creative team ever stepping foot inside a theatre. We are excited about the future of this technology and the creative possibilities it presents.We set out with some clear goals in mind: this production would give back to the industry, both directly by employing creatives, production staff and actors – some of whom had just graduated into a closed industry – and indirectly through a donation to Acting For Others, an umbrella charity that provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need. We are proud to have made a production of this classic play that is inclusive and accurately represents the diversity of modern society.”
The creative team for the production is set to include assistant direction by Gwenan Bain, edited by Ryan Metcalfe, production design by Jamie Osborne for Preevue, costume design by Natasha Bowles, lighting design by Elliot Smith, visual effects by Preevue, production management by Gary Beestone and casting by Jim Arnold CDG.
The full release details for the production have yet to be announced, but those interested can sign up for more information through https://www.romeojuliet2021.com/