Post by Queen Mab on Sept 30, 2010 10:07:28 GMT
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/entertainment-in-newcastle/theatre/2010/09/29/review-romeo-and-juliet-theatre-royal-72703-27367413/
Romeo and Juliet opened the new RSC season in Newcastle last night. Entertainment Editor Gordon Barr reviews the show
There was a distinct air of ‘Geordiness’ with the Royal Shakespeare Company last night – and it wasn’t just because the RSC were back at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal.
Local lad Peter Peverley played a pivotal role in the opening night of Romeo and Juliet – his most major appearance to date with the RSC, and on home turf too.
Peter stepped into the shoes of Forbes Masson to take the part of Friar Laurence, one of the most important characters in the fateful tale of the star-crossed lovers, so the Geordie accent resonated throughout the three-hour-long play.
It was a nice touch to a solid re-working of Romeo and Juliet at the hands of director Rupert Goold.
Sam Troughton and Mariah Gale take on the title roles and, despite being a lot older in real life than their characters, bring a modern youthfulness to their parts.
They are decked in modern attire, while the remaining cast adorn period costumes, until the deadly ending.
Stage design is sparse and dark, adding to the intense atmosphere as death and sexual attraction collide.
As the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets escalates, Romeo and Juliet find a love for one another like no other, but which is ultimately doomed.
They are out on a limb and that is only emphasised by the use of modern and period dress. They are outsiders to everyone else, and their love for each other knows no boundaries.
The tension, trauma and tenderness between Romeo and Juliet is tangible and Troughton and Gale have an on-stage chemistry that is perfect for this production.
Tragedy is never far from the surface, but there are laughs too, courtesy of Jonjo O’Neill’s Mercutio.
His is a powerhouse of a performance but one that is taken away from us all too soon as a result of his untimely death.
There is mayhem in the houses of the Capulets and Montagues, with Friar Laurence trying to provide the one medium of decency and decorum.
Noma Dumezweni as the pipe-smoking nurse has terrific stage presence, while Christine Entwisle as Lady Capulet manages to convey a mother both at odds with her daughter but who deep down holds a deep love for her.
A Romeo and Juliet for our times? I’d say so – as relevant and up to date as it could possibly be.
Romeo and Juliet opened the new RSC season in Newcastle last night. Entertainment Editor Gordon Barr reviews the show
There was a distinct air of ‘Geordiness’ with the Royal Shakespeare Company last night – and it wasn’t just because the RSC were back at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal.
Local lad Peter Peverley played a pivotal role in the opening night of Romeo and Juliet – his most major appearance to date with the RSC, and on home turf too.
Peter stepped into the shoes of Forbes Masson to take the part of Friar Laurence, one of the most important characters in the fateful tale of the star-crossed lovers, so the Geordie accent resonated throughout the three-hour-long play.
It was a nice touch to a solid re-working of Romeo and Juliet at the hands of director Rupert Goold.
Sam Troughton and Mariah Gale take on the title roles and, despite being a lot older in real life than their characters, bring a modern youthfulness to their parts.
They are decked in modern attire, while the remaining cast adorn period costumes, until the deadly ending.
Stage design is sparse and dark, adding to the intense atmosphere as death and sexual attraction collide.
As the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets escalates, Romeo and Juliet find a love for one another like no other, but which is ultimately doomed.
They are out on a limb and that is only emphasised by the use of modern and period dress. They are outsiders to everyone else, and their love for each other knows no boundaries.
The tension, trauma and tenderness between Romeo and Juliet is tangible and Troughton and Gale have an on-stage chemistry that is perfect for this production.
Tragedy is never far from the surface, but there are laughs too, courtesy of Jonjo O’Neill’s Mercutio.
His is a powerhouse of a performance but one that is taken away from us all too soon as a result of his untimely death.
There is mayhem in the houses of the Capulets and Montagues, with Friar Laurence trying to provide the one medium of decency and decorum.
Noma Dumezweni as the pipe-smoking nurse has terrific stage presence, while Christine Entwisle as Lady Capulet manages to convey a mother both at odds with her daughter but who deep down holds a deep love for her.
A Romeo and Juliet for our times? I’d say so – as relevant and up to date as it could possibly be.