Three stars
ROMEO and Juliet is one
of Shakespeare's best known and best loved plays. The story of the
star crossed lovers is a tale full of the universal themes of
passion, love and loyalty.
In a new adaptation by
CandleFire Theatre Company, now on at the Jack Studio Theatre in
Brockley, it has been given a contemporary feel with an up to the
minute soundtrack and grungy costumes.
It is a lively and
imaginative retelling of the Bard's classic tale. As well as being
pared down to just under two hours, there are only 10 out of the
original 21 characters to tell the story.
Not only that there are
a few interesting twists including the delivery of the prologue and
the ending.
Some of it works, some
of it doesn't, but there is no doubt that it is staged with energy
and enthusiasm.
The stage is bare save
for a small table which when moved around the stage serves by turns
as a bed, a tomb and a bench.
The direction was spot
on and really brought out the characteristics and rivalries of the
two gangs - the Capulets and the Montagues.
Romeo and his gang were
full of swagger, charm and fun - party animals and out for a good
time. Tybalt and Paris by comparison were cocky, aggressive and up
for a fight.
And there are more than
a fair few of those - fight choreographer Steve Bradley deserves
special mention for the incredibly realistic fight scenes in which
Balthazar in particular seemed to get more than his fair share of
beatings.
The cast was generally
good with some great performances, in particular Robert Fellman as
Romeo and Turan Duncan as Mercutio.
I wasn't convinved
about the ending - a twist on the original that also seemed rushed.
That said, this was a
lively adaptation full of passion and energy.
Romeo and Juliet is on
at the Jack Studio Theatre, Brockley Road, until Thursday, August 16.
Tickets cost £14. Visit www.brockleyjack.co.uk or call the box
office on 0333 666 3366.
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