Romeo & Juliet – New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Writer: William Shakespeare

Adaptor: Jimmy Fairhurst, Louise Haggerty & Andrew Butler

Director: Jimmy Fairhurst

Not Too Tame’s latest production of Romeo & Juliet is a bold, vibrant and visceral reimagining of Shakespeare’s much-loved tragedy. Cleverly weaving modern-day prose seamlessly into Shakespeare’s original words, the production feels remarkably contemporary and relevant, while also offering a brilliantly accessible introduction to the Bard for those who may usually shy away from his work.

Fairhurst firmly roots this Romeo & Juliet in the North, with the DNA of working-class life breathing through every beat and every moment. It is joyful, playful, chaotic, and ultimately, devastating, creating a production that finds plenty of humour without ever losing sight of the heartbreak at its core.

In the titular roles, comedian Russell Kane as Romeo and Natalie Casey as Juliet – placing the pair firmly in their 40s rather than the usual teenage years cleverly shifts the dynamics of the story. Their age brings an added layer of tension, passion and despair to their doomed romance, making their choices feel different yet somehow just as reckless.

Kane and Casey are both strong leads, bringing seemingly endless amounts of energy to the stage, while their chemistry is palpable. Kane’s Romeo is slightly sheepish, a poet and a free spirit, perfectly balancing Casey’s fierce and determined Juliet. Casey, in particular, finds a wonderful rhythm between comedy and some deeply affecting emotional moments, able to turn on a click of a finger from laughter to anguish.

Although the focus naturally rests on the two lovers, this is very much an ensemble production. Patrick Knowles takes on both Friar and Tybalt, Ray Sesay doubles as Mercutio and Prince, while Kieran Foster’s Benvolio provides a strong presence throughout. Andrew Butler is excellent as Peter, delivering some particularly effective fourth-wall-breaking moments, with Louise Haggerty bringing warmth and comedy to the Nurse. Lizzie Hopley’s Capulet and David Nellist’s Montague and Paris complete a committed ensemble, with each actor creating memorable and distinctive characters.

Loren Elstein’s set design is simple yet hugely effective. A building site becomes the playground for the action, transforming with just a handful of clever set-piece changes into a swimming pool, a seductive boudoir and, ultimately, the tomb in which the lovers meet their tragic fate. It is a wonderfully versatile space, allowing the cast to create much of the world themselves.

Daniella Beattie’s lighting design elevates the production even further. Creative, atmospheric and often strikingly beautiful, the lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the mood, with the opening moments and final scenes standing out as some of the most accomplished theatrical lighting this reviewer has seen in recent years.

This is Shakespeare stripped back, shaken up and given a distinctly northern heartbeat. Not Too Tame’s Romeo & Juliet feels fresh, fearless and enormously entertaining (albeit 30 minutes too long) while still delivering the tragedy at the heart of the story. It is a production that proves Shakespeare can be both brilliantly accessible and incredibly exciting, whether this is a first encounter with the Bard or a return to a familiar favourite.

Runs until 10 October 2026