Reviewed by Joanne Hughes
This timeless epic tale of love at first sight is full of passion, revenge, loyalty and true love. Two teenagers, Romeo and Juliet, fall head over heels in love from the moment their eyes meet, only to then discover that each is the child of their families’ bitter enemy. The two, with the help of their faithful friend Friar Lawrence, wed in secret. However, the hatred between the rival families deepens, and a fight ensues in which a Capulet is killed and young Romeo, seeking revenge, murders the wrong doer. In order to save him from the wrath of the Capulets, the Friar banishes him from his hometown – and thus, from his new wife, Juliet. Both full of woe, they each seek to end their own lives so Friar Lawrence steps in with a solution – but it is a dangerous option.
This production is presented by the Sussex based theatre company, This Is My Theatre, which was founded by Sarah Slator. It is a company that works with local communities and stages their production in mainly open-air venues and churches, with the aim to produce classical plays and literature that are ‘accessible to all’. As such, the play is never in one place more than once, but tours around. This performance was hosted at the amphitheatre at The Hawth in Crawley – a befitting venue for such a classic story. The amphitheatre is an outdoor space located in the woods behind The Hawth theatre, so it was luck that we had the sunshine. Unfortunately, there was a lack of information on the theatre website about performances at this auditorium as, otherwise, I would have come equipped with chairs, blanket and picnic – although cushions are provided. The other downside is that the nearest toilets are located in the main buildings, which is a bit of a trek, particularly for disabled patrons. On the other hand, there is plenty of parking in the car park and the theatre is well sign posted, and the amphitheatre brings something special to any performance – especially when the sky is full of colours.
This particular adaptation of Romeo & Juliet condenses Shakespeare’s classic tale into an hour and a half show, focusing on the main pivotal moments of the story, and was not truly able to do it justice. The ‘in the moment’ decisions that teenage lovers habitually make, are all too rushed and rash in this play, with no time to explore the depth of the characters, making their actions seem all the more absurd. The famous balcony scene in which Romeo, played by Harry Boaz, and Juliet (Hazel Caulfield) confess their undying love to each other, reflected the naivety and young age of these two characters, with a babbling, sweet girl rambling to an over-excited boy. The humorous Mercutio had the audience amused with his drunken revelry, sexual innuendo and suggestive moves, whilst Ethan Taylor as Juliet’s male nurse, and Simon Stallard’s Friar Lawrence provided the sense and knitted together the complexities of the emotions and the determining moments. The cast have worked hard to know all their lines, and to deliver them with the emphasis and expression required to ensure the Elizabethan language and meaning of the play is understood by all. Additionally, the venue and minimal set was constructively utilized throughout the play, as was the use of a few indicative costumes to portray various characters and the switch from day to night. Overall, it was an enjoyable evening (less the slightly uncomfortable seating), though it felt more like a crash course through one of the world’s most famous love stories.
Rating: 3/5
This is My Theatre is currently on tour around the UK with Romeo & Juliet, for more information and tour dates visit www.thisismytheatre.com.
For other shows at The Hawth in Crawley visit hawth.co.uk or call the box office on 01293 553636.
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, Sussex, RH10 6YZ | 01293 553636
