Romeo & Juliet at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by E Bramley
As a theatre lover and long-time devotee of the Royal Exchange Theatre I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review Romeo and Juliet during its run at the Exchange. Due to Covid-19 and then having my daughter it’s been some time since I visited (for an incredibly emotive Wuthering Heights in February 2020) and it felt so good to be back!
For those who haven’t yet visited the Royal Exchange Theatre it sits in the heart of Manchester on St Anne’s Square in easy walking distance of the Exchange Square tram stop. The theatre space is unique in appearance and experience. A heptagon layout (seven sides of seating) over three floors creates an intimate theatre in the round like no other. There are no seats in the gods or restricted views here! Although there are no bad seats my personal favourites have always been stage level row G. For this performance we were sat on stage level row E, seats 58 and 59, which afforded a perfect view of the whole performance.
The Royal Exchange is known for contemporary interpretations of the classics, often set in an alternative time and place. This rendition of Romeo and Juliet is billed as “a love-letter to Manchester” with modern, relatable characters in an urban setting. It’s also so much more than that; it’s Oasis, house music, disco balls, Mancunian accents, audience participation aplenty (especially those in the banquettes), clever use of multimedia and even some rapping.
Written in 1597 Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s best known plays. Even if you haven’t previously read the play or seen it on stage you’ll more than likely know the story from numerous adaptations such as the 1996 Baz Luhrmann film, Gnomeo and Juliet, and West Side Story. It’s so well known that I don’t think it needs a spoiler alert; two people from warring factions meet and fall in love. The only way that they can be together is to leave their families for a new life but this will not be easy and they must cleverly devise their escape.
If you haven’t read or seen much Shakespeare before don’t be put off by the language. By the end of the performance you won’t even notice the Elizabethan English because the cast bring the words to life so cleverly. The quality of the acting and direction is superb across the board and we couldn’t call out a single shining star because each was incredible. This is the most talented cast I’ve ever had the fortune of seeing; the standing ovation was much deserved! I immediately recognised David Judge who plays Mercutio – you’ll have seen him in Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Shalisha James-Davis, playing Juliet, is another well-known actor in the cast thanks to her time on Casualty.
I never expected so many laughs for a Shakespearean tragedy or to be instructed to get up and dance (drinks available at the Rivals Cafe & Bar for Dutch courage). But a tragedy it is. I’ve studied this play and know it well but I cried nonetheless. Be sure to take some tissues!
Romeo and Juliet runs from 20th October to 18th November 2023.
Tickets are priced between £10 for the banquettes to £40 for stage level rows D and E.
The play is 3 hours long with a 20 min interval for drinks and a bathroom break.
Rating: 5/5 – this is not to be missed
Don’t hesitate! For more information or to book your tickets visit royalexchange.co.uk or contact the box office on 0161 833 9833.
Royal Exchange Theatre
Old Bank St, Manchester M2 7PE
Photo credit: Johan Persson