Review: ROMEO & JULIET, OVO St Albans
Photo credit: Elliott Franks
Besties, you’ll know that there’s a fine line to tread when adapting a Shakespeare play, particularly one so loved. Some want original verse and traditional roles, whilst others are looking for something more modern and accessible.
In this pacy version of the classic, Stephanie Allison and Amy Connery succeed in breathing new life into this passionate, foreshadowing tragedy.
Set in a divided Belfast in 1998, in the run up to the signing of the Good Friday agreement, we meet the warring Montague and Capulet families. This Northern Irish backdrop complements the story well, as both demonstrate that peace is wholly dependent on both sides accepting it. There is a real focus on that in this OVO performance, with an emphasis on the decisions the characters make (or don’t make) and the impact they have, on themselves and others.
The Belfast setting allows the solid cast to present the verse in a Northern Irish accent. With all character interactions being performed in Shakespeare’s original work, a peppering of modern day newscaster narrative about the peace plans keeps the modern setting fresh in our minds.
The show steps up a gear part way into the first half with the inclusion of some well known 90s songs from artists including Van Morrison and The Waterboys. Carefully selected by Tom Cagnoni and performed by the OVO Band, these songs sit starkly alongside the Shakespearean verse, though the characters flit effortlessly between the modern songs and the classic script. The inclusion of the Cranberries’ ‘Zombie’, a song written about the unrest in Northern Ireland, is particularly poignant.
The play could certainly hold more music, with the first half packed with songs, feeling modern and the second half, with fewer tunes, feeling more traditional. The Belfast backdrop is also weaker in the second half, with fewer reminders of the setting, as the story unfolds.
The cast are led by the stellar Ryan Downey, an anguished Romeo. With such a beautiful tone to his voice it’s a shame to have only had the one full song from him. The leading couple (completed by our Juliet, Francesca Eldred), exchange their lines so precisely, pouring their everything into their impassioned dialogue. It’s no effort at all for the audience to follow the Shakespearean language, and feel the connection between the couple.
The supporting cast here are also strong: Lyle Fulton is so at home as Benvolio, leading the narrative with entertaining monologues, accompanied by the acoustic guitar. With Jenson Parker Stone delivering a strong comic performance as Mercutio, the play feels the loss of him in the second half.
Despite a female Tybalt, the team don’t shy away from the fighting, with some well executed rhythmic fight scenes orchestrated by Felipe Pacheco, filling the stage with movement throughout.
Keen to present well rounded female characters, Allison and Connery also place Lady Capulet (Faith Turner) at the head of the family. Another subtle but effective reflection of the modern day.
Simon Nicholas’ staging is simple, which is all that’s needed against the stunning setting of the outdoor Roman theatre, with a basic bridge structure depicting Belfast harbour, providing the perfect height for Juliet to deliver her soliloquy, whilst red kites soar overhead.
Whether it’s your first experience of Shakespeare, or you’ve seen many adaptations, with Romeo and Juliet, OVO gifts us the perfect way to access Shakespeare, with an imaginative and modern telling of a traditional tale.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Cara Brazier
Romeo & Juliet plays at OVO until 29 July, with further information here.