Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Today I will be talking about my review of Romeo and Juliet, which I saw at the Newark Town Hall ballroom, which was performed by the Nottingham Shakespeare company.
This classic tells the story of two star crossed lovers from families who are sworn enemies. This also is a more modernised version, as both titular roles were played by women. This is also so refreshing to see, and it did made me wonder if it's also showing the reality of people today who struggle with being their true authentic self, and have to hide their personality in secret in fear of being disowned by ones they love.
All of the actors brought so much to the table, 3 pf them I know from the Actors Workshop and through mutual friends. I could go on forever about them, but here are just a few that stood out to me.
The first person I know is Laurence James-Davis, who I met through The Actors Workshop Nottingham. He played the roles of the prince and Mercutio, and he played both of these parts well. I've seen him in a Shakespearean play before and in other things linking to the workshop, so I knew he wouldn't disappoint. His authority as the prince really showed, as he made it clear within the character that he was in charge of what says and goes, and does not condone violence between the Montagues and the Capulets. This completely contrasts with the role of Mercutio, as his wit, humour and comic timing, especially with the audience interaction was on point. And it wasn't over the top either. Just enough to put a smile on your face and still keeping in line with a piece of classical text. And if you need a pick me up on a down day, this guy in general is one of the nicest, most positive people you could meet. Well done Laurence!
Olivia Newton is another one who stood out for me, and I knew her through a mutual friend from The Actors Workshop. She played the roles of Balthasar at the beginning, and mainly Lady Capulet. Her motherly instincts really showed, and you can see that she only wants what's best for juliet. Her vulnerable side also showed during the performance, when Lord Capulet (who I will come onto within this blog) showed their harsh side, and you can see how affected she was by it. I wonder then if it made me wonder if prior to the events of the play, Lady Capulet, like Juliet, she was arranged to marry lord Capulet, and whilst they had their good times, the way he acted when Juliet refused to marry Paris was how he treated her most of the time. Who knows, but that was how I saw it. She is also the stage combat fight captain, and her choreography in the fight scenes really showed. It was fluid, in sync and it didn't even look as though it was rehearsed. Well done Olivia for not only portraying a loving but possibly sensitive mother, a well trained fight captain, who definitely did good choreo in those scenes.
Alex Chalk is another one I know, again through the workshop. This was the first time I'd seen him in a while, and it was nice to see him on his NSC debut. He played the roles of the Apothecary, Watchman and for most of it, the nurse to Juliet. He definitely fitted the role like a glove, as his mannerisms, his voice and the "props" that came from his bag really added a nice modern touch to this classic. He's also one of those people who you look at and you know they are naturally funny, and it definitely showed between each character he interacted with. At the opposite end, you could see the emotion when he helped Juliet make her happy and getting her to Romeo in secret, and when that tragic fate happened, it almost felt like she blamed herself for what happened. But this was not the case at all, as I think she knew that she was only trying to make Juliet happy. All in all, from when I've first seen Alex to now, his craft has definitely grown and I feel this is the start of a brilliant career for him.
There were other cast members that stood out to me too. I won't go through all of them, but here are my highlights from three of them in particular.
Harriet Cadman and Emily Ashberry played the titular roles of the piece, and they were a treat to see. Their chemistry was beautiful to see, and it was clear through their performance. What I like about Harriet is that when the death of Tybalt came, you could tell on her face that even though it may not have been intentional, but the guilt she felt knowing that she blew her chance with the love of her life that is Juliet by doing one of the worst things ever is traumatising to see. And how she felt when she drank the poison knowing what has happened to Juliet before her real death, you had to feel sorry for her. Equally you could see the frustration in Emily's portrayal as Juliet, when it is ordered by her mum and dad that she must marry Paris. And as mentioned at the beginning, the love that they show knowing they have to keep it a secret is still highlighting an important topic where even though we are living in 21st century, there are still families who cast aside their loved ones because of their sexuality. But through their interpretation, they are a fine example of showing that if you love someone regardless of sexuality or gender, you should hang onto them. Well done both, I can't wait to see what you both do next.
Michelle-Louise right was also a highlight, who took on the role of Lord Capulet, as well as being the assistant director. And what stood out for me in her was the good loving father she portrayed to what felt like the incredible hulk, especially when it came to Juliet refusing to marry Paris. This took me off the edge of my seat, as I did not expect that at all. And that's what makes an actor stand out, which is they surprise you when you least expect it. I'm also glad that someone from the disabled community was able to portray someone who when others look, you wouldn't think they cast. Don't know what i mean? Well people would look at disabled people like myself thinking they couldn't play bad, but this was a fine example of proving people wrong, and even after looking at Michelle's headshot in the programme, you can tell that she can play someone you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of. So I want to thank you Michelle for not only breaking barriers within the disabled community, but to also surprise me when I didn't expect it.
The final person that stood out for me was Cat Prescott, who played Lord Montague, Friar John and Peter, with this play also being her directorial debut. And what a job she’s done. And I can tell that she put a lot of hard work into the production, whilst also playing three roles within the show. And you know what I commend her for taking on such a huge responsibility, as if she can put together a beautiful piece of art like this then I can’t wait to see what she does next.
The scenery was so beautiful to witness, and was literally like something I would see in Bridgerton. I've lived in Newark all my life, and I've never been in that part of the building before. I wish I'd been there sooner, but I'm glad I witnessed it now, and was the perfect setting for this Shakespearean classic. It even gave me ideas about the film I did back in January and also potentially other future projects. Watch this space...
I think my only downside to the show was the amount of creaking the set had. I know that it was probably something which was out of the cast and crews control, but it did take away some of the projection from the actors.
Overall I would give the show a 4.80. It was engaging, the modern elements really stood out, the choreography for the sword fighting was effortless, everyone multi rolled like a pro and if the squeaky distractions didn’t happen then this would’ve gained a full house.
And that was my review of the show. I hope you like it and if you're reading this now, it has been posted on 13th February, meaning you have until 17th February to watch this spectacular show. And if you're reading it and its past 17th February, be sure to support the company and keep up to date on their socials for upcoming projects, how you can support them and maybe even be in with a chance to be in a show with them itself.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress Signing off :)
Comments