Juliet & Romeo by IYT - ★★★★☆

Photo credit - Richard Jinman

Set in present-day London where the streets are tense with the global pandemic and the BLM movement, Juliet & Romeo gives new, relevant and fresh insight into this well-known play with it themes of love, revenge, relationships and what it means to be a woman in this world.

Picture this, lockdown romance, London slang intertwined with old english, south London vs east London “beef”, girls moving to boys, music, dance and accessible content. 

Juliet and Romeo was everything and more. Filled with the original themes of hatred, loyalty, love and death; the cast not only depicted these beautifully, they also chose to intertwine and display their joy, personality and humour with all that were in the crowd. 

The script well written, ensuring it echoed Shakespeares message, whilst giving a voice to the actors to adapt and personalise it in their own way. The constant set change and cultural relevance kept the audience locked in, as if we were watching something unknown to us. 

Intermission did an excellent job in the way they revisited an old play and made it new. This was definitely one of the best adaptations of Romeo and Juliet we’ve seen, so it would be selfish of us to not encourage you to watch this play. 

Catch Juliet & Romeo at the Chelsea Theatre until 04 December, and make sure you check it out and also support Intermission Youth Theatre on the wonderful work they’re doing.