09 Jun 2023
The Roman Theatre Festival has kicked off with a bang with OVO’s vibrant interpretation of this Shakespeare classic.
When you’ve seen, studied or appeared in a lot of Shakespeare, there is always the concern that going to see a familiar play will make your mind wander. I also know that some of you might be reading this thinking: “Yes but an outdoor performance is too much hassle, isn’t it?”
Well stop, these negative thoughts immediately! Firstly, read my guide to surviving outdoor theatre from last issue and secondly, head straight to their website and book a ticket for this show.
Once again OVO have proved that they can re-imagine an old favourite in an exciting and engaging way.
So, what made Romeo and Juliet so special? Firstly, its significance to OVO. It was their first produced play (in 2003) so what better one to choose for their 20th anniversary season? Yes, most companies opt for comedy for their outdoor summer show but OVO always like to push the boundaries.
What sets OVO apart is that they have developed the knack of re-imagining the Bard’s plays with a bold yet respectful touch.
Their Romeo and Juliet has been re-set in Northern Ireland around the time of the Good Friday Agreement. Directors Stephanie Allison and Amy Connery chose this distinctive era to prove Shakespeare’s enduring relevance and to appeal to a wider audience. Any minor changes to the script to accommodate this felt correct and flawless. What is more the beautiful Belfast accents made the lyrical language pop.
We got a sense of Shakespeare the poet, not just the playwright. As a teenager, I loved the 1997 film adaptation of this play starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes and if you did too, you can expect to find a similar youthful vigour to this production.
However, it is elevated so much higher with the use of live music, movement and some fabulously choreographed fight scenes from frantic assembly’s Felipe Pacheco.
Stephanie and Amy had a very clear vision and selected the perfect cast to realise it. Actor-muso Lyle Fulton (Benvolio) gave a really strong opening as he played his guitar alongside the fabulous live folk-rock band to ‘Dirty Old Town’.
We were treated almost immediately to the fabulous singing skills of the whole company including their haunting harmonising. The overall musical direction by Tom
Cagnoni was outstanding throughout.
There are no weak performer links in this show. Anna Macleod Franklin was a playful nurse and sang beautifully. Another strong singer was Ryan Downey our powerful Romeo playing opposite Francesca Eldred’s gutsy Juliet.
What a lovely piece of casting – they were a tight team showing the strength of both characters and yet the tender vulnerability that their love brings.
I loved the re-gendering of hot-headed Tybalt who was portrayed perfectly by the powerful Katie Hamilton. Faith Turner used her long-proven character skills to bring a new depth to the role of Lady Capulet. The scene where she made advances towards Paris (Matthew Rowan) was one of my favourite moments in the play and a great example of two talented performers drawing out every moment of comedy they could find in Shakespeare’s dialogue.
Yet I still felt sorry for both characters despite their flaws – well done! Mercutio, always a favourite role with an audience was given the colour and energy it needed by Jensen Parker-Stone and his death scene was very moving.
Watching over them all Ben Whitehead had a powerful presence as the Friar and Lord Montague.
The main piece of scenery was a multifunctional scaffolding bridge which became including being Juliet’s balcony and even a set of monkey bars! It was complemented with moveable pallets and crates which proved really flexible as seats and drums. There are so many practical restrictions when producing a play in a heritage site but you would never know as we were not short-changed.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the harsh white lighting in certain parts of the play. I have absolutely no doubt that it was a symbolic decision and am sorry that that I can’t work it out!
I was asked today what sets this production apart. Well, quite simply it’s got that OVO stamp. The way they combine live, contemporary music, movement and acting is breathtaking. It is proof of a cast that work together under the strong and well communicated vision from their directors.
This pair received critical acclaim from their production of ‘Little Women’ last year and yes, they have done it again! They have given us a sparkling new interpretation of a well-loved play with some well selected music presented by multi-talented performers in a very special setting. Thank you OVO.
