Romeo & Juliet
The Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Southend on Sea
20-24th October 2015
The Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Southend on Sea
20-24th October 2015
High Energy Production of Romeo and Juliet by Lindisfarne Players
by guest reviewer, Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
by guest reviewer, Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
Lindisfarne Players’ production of Romeo and Juliet is a modern take on the Shakespearean tragedy. This production introduces some new young faces, and takes a fresh look at the story with a lot of energy.
The director Mike Clements mixes period and traditional styles with modernity, on a minimalist set. The costumes and music are a mixture of classical and pop with a modern culture aspect to the familiar scenes. The production also utilises the audience with a meet and greet before curtain up and interaction during the performance. Mike, who directs by courtesy of the Magic Space Theatre Company, is a very creative director, and he has introduced some interesting and original touches to the play. The actors are kept on their toes from the start as any one of them might be called upon to perform the opening speech on the night.
The play is not set in any particular period, but it could be any time and any place, as the issues are still relevant today with gang warfare amongst youngsters. As Mike Clements states:-
‘The truth is it just doesn't matter. The story of love breaking through the barriers of senseless conflicts is timeless. It is a cautionary tale, which applies as much today as it did then. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is that they do not get the chance to live happily ever after. It is not a fairy story but is brutal down to earth and real. In our harsh world, as Shakespeare knew only too well, we will screw up all chances of happiness by senseless fighting and conflict.’
As most of the cast are young, they bring a fresh, energy to the production. I particularly liked Elliot Bigden’s Romeo, played with a youthful intensity that was completely believable. His sudden passion for Juliet and his casting aside of his first love Rosaline, is played with great fervour and realism. Elliot gives a very mature performance and at times reminded me of a young Edmund Perdum, for those too young to remember him; he was a TV swashbuckler in Sword of Freedom.
Additionally, the carousing scenes of young men, sharing their rude jokes, and having a great time together, horse playing and drinking, with complete disregard for authority, was very real and very modern.
The director Mike Clements mixes period and traditional styles with modernity, on a minimalist set. The costumes and music are a mixture of classical and pop with a modern culture aspect to the familiar scenes. The production also utilises the audience with a meet and greet before curtain up and interaction during the performance. Mike, who directs by courtesy of the Magic Space Theatre Company, is a very creative director, and he has introduced some interesting and original touches to the play. The actors are kept on their toes from the start as any one of them might be called upon to perform the opening speech on the night.
The play is not set in any particular period, but it could be any time and any place, as the issues are still relevant today with gang warfare amongst youngsters. As Mike Clements states:-
‘The truth is it just doesn't matter. The story of love breaking through the barriers of senseless conflicts is timeless. It is a cautionary tale, which applies as much today as it did then. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is that they do not get the chance to live happily ever after. It is not a fairy story but is brutal down to earth and real. In our harsh world, as Shakespeare knew only too well, we will screw up all chances of happiness by senseless fighting and conflict.’
As most of the cast are young, they bring a fresh, energy to the production. I particularly liked Elliot Bigden’s Romeo, played with a youthful intensity that was completely believable. His sudden passion for Juliet and his casting aside of his first love Rosaline, is played with great fervour and realism. Elliot gives a very mature performance and at times reminded me of a young Edmund Perdum, for those too young to remember him; he was a TV swashbuckler in Sword of Freedom.
Additionally, the carousing scenes of young men, sharing their rude jokes, and having a great time together, horse playing and drinking, with complete disregard for authority, was very real and very modern.
Nick Bright, who plays Mercutio, also gave a stand out performance dominating the scenes with his energy and vigour. The part of Juliet, which is usually played by an older actress, as younger girls do not usually have the maturity to deal with the emotions, was well played by a young Paige Dadds. She brought to the part a sweet innocence with some moving and tender moments. As the young lovers, Elliot and Paige played their love scenes with a delightful tenderness. I also particularly liked Leah- May Keeble playing Lady Capulet as the young mother of Juliet, who herself had born her daughter when Juliet’s age. Her emotional scene over the death of Tybalt was particularly moving. Particular mention must also be made of David Goodger, who stepped into the part of Tybalt at very short notice.
Whilst the play is a deemed a tragedy, there are also some funny comedy moments, well played by Kevin Lehane, who is a regular performer in the local area and Morgan Hopkins. Indeed one scene elicited a round of applause from the audience. Additionally, there was good support from the Lindisfarne regulars, Steve McCartney, Kim Tobin, Ben Smerdon, Nicholas Jacobs and Chris Linnat-Scott. It was good to see Chris back treading the boards as Capulet after his serious illness in the summer. Praise must also go to Tom McCarthy, David Johnson, Kheira Bey and Nikki Hill for creating a believable group of Dukes, Capulets and Montagues.
The production, which is a really good ensemble piece, with a generosity of acting not normally seen amongst young actors, is well worth a visit. Romeo and Juliet continues Wednesday 21st October to Saturday 24th October at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff at 7.45pm with a matinee at 2.30pm.
Whilst the play is a deemed a tragedy, there are also some funny comedy moments, well played by Kevin Lehane, who is a regular performer in the local area and Morgan Hopkins. Indeed one scene elicited a round of applause from the audience. Additionally, there was good support from the Lindisfarne regulars, Steve McCartney, Kim Tobin, Ben Smerdon, Nicholas Jacobs and Chris Linnat-Scott. It was good to see Chris back treading the boards as Capulet after his serious illness in the summer. Praise must also go to Tom McCarthy, David Johnson, Kheira Bey and Nikki Hill for creating a believable group of Dukes, Capulets and Montagues.
The production, which is a really good ensemble piece, with a generosity of acting not normally seen amongst young actors, is well worth a visit. Romeo and Juliet continues Wednesday 21st October to Saturday 24th October at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff at 7.45pm with a matinee at 2.30pm.
Ask The Audience
Amy Wilson of Leigh on Sea
I liked the contrast between the modern and period style. In particular I really liked the character of the Nurse and I thought that Romeo and Juliet were well cast. I really enjoyed it. I have only seen the play once before, but this is my favourite so far.
Sue Simcock of Hockley
It is nice to see fresh young people playing such wonderful parts. I am really enjoying it
Amy Wilson of Leigh on Sea
I liked the contrast between the modern and period style. In particular I really liked the character of the Nurse and I thought that Romeo and Juliet were well cast. I really enjoyed it. I have only seen the play once before, but this is my favourite so far.
Sue Simcock of Hockley
It is nice to see fresh young people playing such wonderful parts. I am really enjoying it
