Theatre / romeo and juliet
Rehearsals are underway for rap-infused Romeo and Juliet at Bristol Old Vic
Following the success of Play On!, the 1940s jazz adaptation of Twelfth Night back in January, The Bard’s most famous love story is coming to Bristol Old Vic in March, with another innovative musical twist.
Audiences will be presented with the original text of Shakespeare’s play, enhanced with new elements of rap, soul and R&B – thanks to music from A Class and lyrics written by Keiren Hamilton-Amos and Corey Weekes of That’s a Rap.
For Belgrade Theatre, who are co-producing the show with Bristol Old Vic under creative director Corey Campbell, the adaptation is ideally placed to introduce new audiences to Shakespeare, as well as appealing to fans.
is needed now More than ever
In other words, it’s “for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation”.
As a director, Campbell’s vision is built around a need to make classical works accessible, and relatable, to all:
“The story’s emotional core – two people who shouldn’t love each other doing so despite the cost – remains hugely relevant,” he reflects.
“Their love is the only thing that forces their parents, the politicians, to wake up and see that love is better than war.”
Kyle Ndukuba (Romeo) and Mia Khan (Juliet) in rehearsal for Romeo and Juliet, Bristol Old Vic
Rehearsals are now underway in Coventry, where the production will receive its world premiere, before moving on to Bristol and then London.
The cast is led by Kyle Ndukuba as Romeo (making his professional debut), and Mia Khan as Juliet (The Motive and the Cue, West End, Steeltown Murders, BBC1).
Dillon Scott-Lewis (Mercutio) and Natasha Lewis (Nurse)
They are joined by Samuel Gosrani as Tybalt, Dillon Scott-Lewis as Mercutio, Ellena Vincent as Montague, and Natasha Lewis as Nurse.
Ayesha Patel plays Rosalind, Asheq Akhtar appears as Lord Capulet, and Andre Antonio is Benvolio.
The ensemble is completed by Elwyn Williams as Paris, Yasmin Wilde as Friar Laurence, Pete Ashmore as Prince Escalus, and Lauren Moakes as Lady Capulet.
Ellena Vincent (Montague) and Ayesha Patel (Rosalind)
The creative production team includes casting from Polly Jerrold, set and costumes from Simon Kenny, lighting design from Chris Swain, choreography and movement direction from Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, vocal coaching from Simon Ratcliffe and fight direction from RC Annie – Rachel Bown Williams.
In direct response to the subject matter of Romeo and Juliet, it has also been announced that a one-off community performance by Bristol Old Vic’s Young SixSix company will take place early in the play’s three and a half week theatrical run.
Corey Campbell – Director
Romeo and Juliet is at Bristol Old Vic on March 12-April 5 at 7.30pm with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday (no shows Sunday). Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
The show is a co-production with Bristol Old Vic, Belgrade Theatre and Hackney Empire.
All photos: Nicola Young
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
