RSC- Romeo and Juliet Review

Review: Romeo and Juliet

Directed by Rupert Goold

Production by Royal Shakespeare Company, London Season at the Roundhouse in Camden

Viewed: Press Night, 2nd December 2010.

Romeo and Juliet is the first of eight plays being performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company over a ten week run at the Roundhouse in Camden, and if this opening production is anything to go by- it looks set to be an outstanding season.

Rupert Goold’s production was a thoroughly gripping and exceptionally well-acted piece of theatre, which reached the high standards one would expect from the RSC. To my delight, it first appeared to be in traditional Shakespearian dress, but then Romeo appeared in corduroys and a hoodie, and Juliet in a simple dress and Converse trainers. Although this obvious distinction of the title roles could have been jarring, it somehow did not matter, and by the end of the (very long) first half it had actually become quite fitting. It appeared that the lovers were stuck in a society which needed to be liberated, and brought (as the company so aptly do with Shakespeare’s works) into the 21^st Century.

Although the first half was very long (almost two hours), its climax was spine tingling. Sam Troughton’s Romeo was honest, passionate and perfectly spoken, and Mariah Gale’s Juliet was sassy and yet tender. Jonjo O’Neill gave a bold, stand-out performance as a wickedly funny Mercutio and special mention ought also go to Forbes Masson for a truthful and heartfelt performance as Friar Laurence. Although Gale sometimes verged on portraying a stroppy, over-emotional teenager (and hence almost undermining the intensity of the love, and the plot), the strength with which she played the emotional scenes made her Juliet all the more believable.

Overall this was a first class performance, which effortlessly incorporated live music, choreography, special effects, moving sets, fight scenes and, most importantly, consistently passionate acting throughout. All this put together made a dark, sexy, thrilling production which opens the RSC’s London Season with a resounding “Wow”.