Writer: William Shakespeare

Composer: Carol Sloman

Director: David Thacker

Reviewer: Richard Hall

The Public Reviews Rating:

Formerly Artistic Director at the Young Vic Theatre, where he directed a memorable Romeo And Juliet, starring Clive Owen and a resident Director at the RSC, David Thacker clearly has a lot of experience and insight to bring to this production.

Arguably one of the best known plays ever written in the English language, any new production of Romeo And Juliet largely succeeds or fails by the Director’s ability to balance the romantic elements of the story against the dark, violent, quarrelling of the two warring families, the Capulets and Montagues. With this production, Thacker just about gets the balance right but is hindered by his own curious decision to have both the prologue and epilogue spoken by the actors playing Romeo and Juliet. Although this is a neat and clever device for framing the play, it considerably weakens the impact of the young lover’s first meeting and almost rids the ending of the play of any dramatic and emotional engagement.

Played on a bare stage in modern dress, circa late 1990’s, the production exceeds Shakespeare’s’ intended “two hour traffic,” but due to Thacker’s military like precision and controlled direction does not drag. The whole of the auditorium is used to good effect and although sparse, Ruari Murchison’s design is effective, especially the use of a giant platform as both Juliet’s balcony and the entrance to the Capulet tomb. Much of the onstage atmosphere is created by Ciraran Bagnall’s haunting lighting and Carol Sloman’s evocative acoustic guitar soundtrack.

Jade Anouka as Juliet and David Ricardo-Pearce as Romeo speak the verse clearly and intelligently but when acting together struggle to establish any real chemistry and semblance of heartfelt passion. Strangely when they are apart their performances are much stronger and more expressive, especially when delivering their soliloquies. Romeo and Juliet should come across as childish and impulsive but in this production they are far too knowing and worldly wise.

It is left to the performances of Colin Connor as Friar Lawrence and ex Eastenders actress, Michelle Collins as the Nurse, to provide a dramatic anchor for the production. This they do brilliantly, Collins’ assured and dignified performance is a revelation and I look forward very much to seeing her in the Octagon’s forthcoming production of The Demolition Man. Connor comes as close to any actor I have seen in matching the great, late Pete Postlethwaite in the role.

Given David Thacker’s previous track record in directing Shakespeare, I have to confess to being slightly disappointed with this production. The fate of Romeo and Juliet fails to resonate and it is a tribute to the supporting Company that interest is maintained in their story for almost three hours.

Runs at The Octagon Theatre, Bolton until 5 March

Romeo and Juliet – The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 2.3 out of 5 based on 3 ratings

Tags: Carol Slom, Ciaran Bagnall, David Thacker, Michelle Collins, Romeo and Juliet, Ruari Murchison, The Octagon Theatre Bolton, William Shakespeare