“Romeo & Juliet” by The Royal Shakespeare Company
Nottingham Theatre Royal

This seems to be the go to Shakespeare play to perform at the moment but why not as it’s a brilliant mix of tragedy and romanticism, plus it is one of his best known works.

The age old story of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl fakes death to be with boy, boy discovers dead body of lover so kills himself, only to be revealed that girl’s death is fake and so overcome with grief, girl kills herself for real.

Gone are the old style doublet and hose images of Shakespeare’s day because this is modern day urban dress, keeping it fresh and, not that Shakespeare needs to have new life breathed into it because it’s always been relevant. Why else would we still be going to the theatre to see plays that were written over 400 years ago?

Every time I see this play it gives a completely different feel; this is no different. It's like seeing a new play every time, and even the language now comes to me without having to think about mentally deciphering the script. And did Shakespeare really coin the exclamation "Shut the door!"?

This version will appeal to anyone who can appreciate Shakespeare's way with words with a not so quite traditional approach, but one that will continue to reach new audiences.

Bally Gill (Romeo) comes across as a modern young man as Romeo with plenty of swagger, humour and a lot of charm. His Romeo is fiercely protective of his Juliet and together they make a believable and charming pair.

Karen Fishwick (Juliet) is lovely as the lovelorn teenager, again very believable with her almost infatuated love for her Romeo. There's a lovely chemistry between these two.

Josh Finan (Benvolio), complete with Hawaiian shirts looks like the sort of bloke who would go on a lad's holiday to Ibiza and that modern cheekiness is really refreshing and fun.

Raif Clarke (Peter) looks like he is only just old enough for a paper round but is so laid back. He, like the other young actors, looked completely at ease in stage and with the text.

Paul Dodds (Montague) and Sakuntala Ramanee (Lady Montague) are also very passionate about their feelings, as any parents would be, for their kin.

Andrew French (Friar Laurence) has that air about him that lets you know that he is a cool and relaxed Father to Romeo, which could where Romeo's swagger came from. See they have me believing their relationship to be real on stage!

Michael Hodgson (Capulet) comes across as a passionate actor, and his argument with Juliet is one that will make you sit up and take note, Mariam Haque (Lady Capulet) also shows her passion but that is because she doesn't want to exacerbate the situation between her husband and daughter..

Charlotte Josephine (Mercutio), now here’s another curveball, a female Mercutio? Why not? Charlotte brings a completely new perspective to the character and I love Charlotte's feisty portrayal. Mercutio could have come from anywhere from Stratford upon Avon to Chigwell in this version.

Nima Taleghani (Tybalt) is also one cool but fiery character.

Ishia Bennison (Nurse) is an absolute breath of fresh air and along with Mercutio, she really brings an energy and wave of comedy to the play.

Directed by Erica Whyman and Designed by Tom Piper.They manage to bring a new stripped back but multi layered production to the stage.

The music is by Sophie Cotton and who would have though Shakespeare would have a mosh pit within one of his plays. Great energy in the music for this production.

There's also a chance for local talent to shine as pupils from Bluecoat Beechdale Academy join the RSC cast on stage.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s tour of “Romeo & Juliet” is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 23 February 2019 and is well worth a look. Traditionalists may not be a fan of this one but anyone who likes their Shakespeare urbanised and fresh will love it.