Jamie Lloyd directs a haunting production of Shakespeare’s play – but it just needs a stronger emotional connection to be thoroughly effective.
Having seen Jamie Lloyd’s interpretations of Macbeth and Richard III, I was intrigued to see how he would interpret this tragedy for a modern audience.
Set in a dark version of Verona, this Romeo & Juliet will certainly get younger audiences into the theatre with its use of modern techniques to offer a refreshing and darker interpretation of the story of how a hopeful new romance ended so tragically.
As with his production of Sunset Boulevard, Jamie Lloyd has filled the show with use of cameras which offer powerful close ups, which while on the one hand means all of the audience can get an intimate look at the cast’s expressions but also means you spend a lot of time looking at the screen rather than the stage. The use of microphones allow sharp focus on the language and helps to create a dark atmosphere that adds a surprising menace to proceedings.
However, while this approach does work to an extent – there is a lack of emotional connect between the characters (which is no fault of the cast – it is just the way in which it has been interpreted), with the first meeting between Romeo & Juliet with Tom Holland alone on stage staring at Francesca Amewudah-Rivers on a screen is an interesting choice that just lacks the spark required to make their romance believable. The emotional connection is really needed to highlight the tragedy, which here doesn’t quite pack a strong punch as you would expect.
Yet what this production does do is grab the audience’s attention in a stylish and intimate way – particularly during the more traditionally acted scenes when there is a bit more flexibility and you can see characters engaging more naturally and not out at the audience as well as adding more warmth. The interactions between Juliet and the nurse are particularly lovely, as are the on stage moments between Romeo and Juliet, beautifully highlighted by Jon Clark’s subtle lighting design that just knows how to capture focus on the characters.
The second act feels a little rushed with so much action to get through that it means that the tragic ending feels a little bit overlooked, but the focus on particular speeches really do make you sit up and pay attention, with the intimate way in which they are spoken by the cast places real emphasis on the meaning behind them as well as finding new depths to the characters – even finding touches of humour in unexpected places.
Meanwhile, the cast themselves do an excellent job. Francesca Amewudah- Rivers makes for an excellent Juliet – not as meek or submissive as can be seen in other interpretations she really is an active participant in deciding her own future. The way in which she delivers her key speeches are mesmerising to listen to – she definitely knows how to deliver them with great warmth, passion and insight.
Tom Holland also has a great stage presence as Romeo. The way in which he switches moods and tone to highlight the conflicting emotions of the character is wonderful. There is an ease to his performance and boyish charm that keeps the audience enthralled. His chemistry with Rivers works, their interpretations of the characters complementing each other.
There is great support in the form of Freema Agyeman as nurse, performing with great warmth and wit – offering a lovely relationship between her and Rivers as Juliet.
Overall, this is a mixed bag of a production. Strong performances and style is in abundance – but I can’t help but long for a little bit more warmth to feel truly affected by the tragedy.
By Emma Clarendon
To find out more about the production visit: https://www.romeoandjulietldn.com/
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐