Romeo and Juliet - The Hate Story at Hen and Chickens Theatre Review
Written by Eloise Thody for Theatre & Tonic
A clever and modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, but with warring families in rival drug gangs. Romeo’s family is from Brazil, now living in the UK, where the Montagues become rival drug gangs with the Capulets. Romeo and Juliet hate each other but find themselves entangled in each other’s adventures over the course of the play. The pair accidentally travel to Verona together to bid for a new drug on the market, and in doing so they get into trouble and call on old friends to help them get away with their mischief.
Modernising a story and characters that are already universal known is smart and enables the audience to dive straight into the action. The asides to the audience from both Romeo and Juliet add to this ease and understanding to allow the audience to catch up on the history between characters and families. However, these moments sometimes felt underprepared and improvised in the case of Lucas Luan Lima, writer and Romeo.
However, the chemistry between Romeo and Juliet is undeniable and unflinching in its attacking hatred - somehow, the connection and understanding between the two shines through. George Bird, has a wonderful attitude, hiding an intellectual and sexually powerful Juliet. Bird has a brilliant ability for physical comedy, and this is highlighted in her multiroling as Tybalt. It is clear that director, Annie Araba, knows how best to unlock her actors and use their strengths on stage - filling the space and keeping the stage images interesting throughout.
Although the cast could have done with an extra member to play the additional characters (a key moment this would have benefited is when Lucas Luan Lima plays both Romeo and Laurence in multiple scenes). That being said, Lucas’ Laurence was a memorable and hilarious refresh of the character! Lucas Luan Lima has real moments of passion and energy on stage, which is infectious to watch. The cast do well to keep the story moving, and for a 90-minute production with no interval and two actors, this is something to be applauded. Time only seems to lag when Romeo is alone on stage, stuck in grasping monologues which attempt to build background and make the audience laugh… this may be a nod to how Romeo is written in the original… there are some wonderful crossover moments for die hard Shakespeare fans!
Although simplistic, the set is effective - taking us through the different locations in Verona and beyond. I did love the costume, orange colours for Romeo, and blues for Juliet - complimentary colours for two with such hate for each other… with subtle nods to the classic nature of Shakespeare’s original.
The story is fresh, fun, and holds many, many laughs and unexpected moments! What is in Juliet’s bag!? You’ll have to see the production to find out. Though the six-day run is now completed at The Hen and Chickens in London, I’m sure Romeo & Juliet: The Hate Story will be back with bite!
Romeo & Juliet: The Hate Story played at the Hen and Chickens Theatre from 26 - 31 August.
★★★
