“Romeo & Juliet” by Spotlight Theatre Company
Nottingham Arts Theatre

I think that I can promise you that you probably have not seen a production quite like this one.

William Shakespeare’s most popular romantic but tragic piece is the first full Shakespeare play to be taken on by Spotlight Theatre Company. Previously they have had successes with ”Animal Farm” and “The History Boys” and this third production is following, and building on their successful roster of theatrical productions.

Directed by Cassie Hall and Produced by Amanda Hall, there has been a great deal of thought gone into taking this story apart and putting it back together in a modern and contemporary piece of theatre.

The set is scaffolded which provides the cast with a multitude of performance spaces and entry and exit points. It's simple but imaginatively effective.

Lighting Design is by Tom Mowat. There are no special effects and, like the set itself shows that simplicity can often more effective.

If you are going to present Shakespeare then it is always a good choice of the Director to use an actor who loves Shakespeare and is well known for their Shakespearian knowledge and acting ability and all kudos to Cassie for choosing Rob Goll as Friar Laurence. In my humble opinion, Rob is one of Nottingham’s – and beyond – finest portrayer of Shakespeare’s works. He does not fail us here. You can't help but pay him heed when he is on the stage.

Joseph Stafford (Mercutio) was brilliant as the cross-dresser who came onto the stage to Diana Ross's "I'm Coming Out", and with or without female attire and wigs, his performance demanded you watch him.

Stan Cook (Romeo) and Emma Gregory (Juliet), both still in their teens, are very well cast and as neither have played Shakespeare previously, Their performances and delivery of the Bard’s words show that they have really done their homework in both parts. They are totally believable and have a wonderful chemistry on stage.

Patrick McChrystal (Lord Capulet) gets to show his more serious side, as well as bringing out a more angry and violent side as the head of the Capulets Paddy is one actor who you can put in a role and he will consistently deliver.

Adam Rhodes (Paris/Tybalt) plays two opposites with these two roles, the suitor and Juliet's self-appointed protector, angry to the last.

Jonah Williams (Benvolio) is a worthy wing-man for Romeo.

Jess Gale (Juliet's Nurse) is the female equivalent, pulling out a really emotional performance as she finds Juliet "dead" in her bed-chamber.

Charlie Evans/Blythe Reaney (Lady Montague), Louis Barnes-cupit(Apothecary) and Kim Allsopp (Lady Capulet) complete this talented cast.

The directorial decision to use modern clothing breaks down barriers to a younger audience, which is something that will make newbies to Shakespeare’s plays feel more at ease and more relatable; after all every set of young lovers are a Romeo and a Juliet at some stage of the courtship. Thankfully the ending for most is not as tragic as Shakesperae’s finale.

The contemporary musical soundtrack from the likes of Lana Del Ray, The Cardigans, Beyonce, Evereclear and Savage Garden among many others, will also break down age barriers and freshens the whole feel of this play. Along with that new sound also gives rise to some choreographed pieces which also adds a whole fresh appeal.

If this production does not change how people, of any age, see, understand and enjoy Shakespeare's plays, then I don't know what will

“Romeo & Juliet” is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Saturday 9 February.

Pictures by Kelvin P. Coleman