Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe Review

Lola Shalam as Juliet and Rawaed Asde as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare's Globe c. Tristram Kenton.

Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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The most famous of star crossed lovers have their ill fated destiny in the American wild west this summer season at the Globe. However, while the audience might question how this tale of woe so often retold can be made original again, this inventive and nuanced take on the tragedy will delight and inspire in equal measure.

Sean West’s adaptation confidently reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet within the feral wilderness setting of the USA frontier. Cowboy costuming by Jackie Orton brings a striking visual flair, while Paul Wills’ simple yet evocative wooden saloon set frames the action beautifully. There is a semi-expectation of a tumbleweed to float across the stage during the duels, but alas, that is only in the mind. We do, however, see inventive visuals such as floating beds and gliding balconies that sweep through the standing area, lending key scenes a sense of powerful momentum and emotional urgency. Despite the desert Midwest theme, the play remains true to its roots, retaining Shakespeare’s original prose and keeping its setting firmly in “fair Verona.”

The ensemble cast is a rare blend of joyful energy and visually magnetic, clearly enthralled with the grandeur and heartbreak of the lovers’ journey. Lola Shalam is a beautifully earnest and playful Juliet who has truly excellent chemistry with Romeo (Rawaed Asde). Asde is phenomenal as Romeo, showcasing the youthful blundering and sheer untrammelled love for Juliet with nuanced body language and earnest expression. Calum Callaghan was menacing and powerfully dominant as Tybalt. Marcus Adolphy, Léa des Garets and Colm Gormley brought menace and urgency to their roles as the elder members of the warring families. John Lightbody was highly entertaining and powerful as the mysterious priest who tries to end the feud. Joe Renyolds as Paris and Dharmesh Patel as the Prince/ servant Peter were hilarious and excellent to watch. Jamie-Rose Monk was absolutely phenomenal as the witty nurse and has the entire audience in stitches of laughter throughout with her astute delivery. Roman Asde was sweetly earnest as Benvolio and an excellent narrator to this tragedy and bringing much pathos and vulnerability on stage. Michael Elcock shines as Mercutio in his finest Globe performance to date. His witty delivery and unpredictable energy command the stage and render the character entirely his own.

Romeo and Juliet has rarely felt so playfully comedic. The production is packed with energy, joy, and phenomenal audience engagement. I was especially impressed by the high engagement, giggles and smiles from teenage viewers. While this lighter tone may soften the emotional weight of the climactic, tragic ending, the result is a performance that resonates deeply with audiences in a far more positive form. This is also a show that remains completely faithful to the language and includes all the scenes of the original text with joyful reverence. Therefore, this is a stellar adaptation to introduce your family or students to the world of Verona or if you want to introduce them to Shakespeare.

This is a truly fantastic adaptation of Romeo and Juliet that feels fresh, engaging and incredibly playful. It manages to carefully balance the fine line between faithfulness to the Bard yet confidently creates its own identity. If you enjoy setting twists on the original plays, an engaging cast and an atmospheric night out then this is the show for you.

Running until 2nd July

★★★★