Writer & Director: Gloria Akpoke
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Contemporary Shakespeare“
3.5 / 5
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is given a modern day twist, when two students from rival schools fall in love and embark on a secret relationship against the odds.
Rose (Christie Fewry) is a student in her final year at St. Shepherds, excited to start the next chapter of her life and get out of the school system that seems to be perpetually stacked against her, her friends and the school’s other black students. A newly implemented braid ban and uniform restrictions are just one of many examples of their frustration from being singled out and unfairly treated. They’re the only table that get told to be quiet during lunch, and the only students that are expected to take constant off-hand, offensive comments in their stride. She, along with her peers are fed up with it and want to fight against the injustices.
Romeo (George Wood) attends the posh school down the road – Cain Park. The two schools have been at odds for years, the postcode war between them resulting in fights, knife crime and authorities monitoring local areas to ensure subsequent clashes don’t occur. Romeo is in love with Rose, and is excited to make their relationship more official by meeting each others friends at an upcoming house party. Will Rose’s friends accept her relationship with a white student from a rival school, or is their love destined to end in tragedy?
Gloria Akpoke’s storyline is well written and compelling, the trials and tribulations of the teenagers relatable, and the modern re-telling of Shakespeare’s classic is done well, keeping the main storyline recognisable, but with an interestingly fresh take. Akpoke’s political, social and racial commentary is at the heart of each interaction, the views and experiences of each character clearly defined and presented with passion. While the production successfully modernises Shakespeare’s story, the inclusion of lengthy Shakespearean-style monologues occasionally feels at odds with its contemporary setting. They slow down momentum, contrast with the modernity and detract from the otherwise high-energy production. Tanyel Davis’ plays the part of the local drug-addict (Princess) well, but her scenes feel out of place and confusingly added, lengthy (albeit well recited) monologues that are at odds with the rest of the material.
The cast are a credit – Fewry’s emotionally charged reaction to discovering Romeo at the party is heart-wrenching, and Daniel Abeshin’s (Peter) anger and confusion with his future is brilliantly impactful. Romeo’s relationship with Rose is surprisingly scarcely shown, but Wood still gives a good performance as the titular character. Géovanna Lewin-Rowe (Chioma), Kylah Sargeant (Tia-Marie), Remmel Oduro-Sanniez (Tyrone) and Luiis Rouf (Corey) make up the tight-knit friendship group with Rose & Peter, their interactions a well-balanced mix of humorous teenage antics, and serious exclamations of frustration. Mr Divine (Chris Barley) as the teacher is painstakingly believable, his in depth discussion with Rose an integral, powerful example that showcases her feelings.
On the evening reviewed, the show inexplicably started and finished 35 minutes after the advertised start time (with no explanation or apology), which was frustrating for an audience who then missed pre-booked trains and/or were belated for other commitments. A lot of work went into the pre-show experience, with an enjoyable live DJ for entertainment, so hopefully this was just a one-off issue and future productions run without a hitch so the full experienced can be properly appreciated!
Runs until 2nd June 2026
RatedReviewed 
There have been a lot of different takes on the Classic, Romeo and Juliet. I find it very interesting to see how they are all portrayed differently. I’m glad I wasn’t there for this Performance though! I get quite angry when a Production starts late or runs later than advertised – especially when no explanation is given! You’ve made the effort to get there on time!!
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