Romeo + Juliet has always been a tale of reckless love and tragic consequences, but this 2024 production adds a bold, contemporary edge that breathes new life into Shakespeare’s classic. With Kit Connor (Heartstopper) as Romeo and Rachel Zegler as Juliet, the chemistry is palpable, igniting the stage with a modern ferocity that speaks directly to today’s audience.
Kit Connor’s portrayal of Romeo captures the chaotic, impetuous nature of young love while grounding it in deep vulnerability. His performance offers a Romeo who is both headstrong and uncertain, caught between his passion for Juliet and the weight of his family’s expectations. Opposite him, Rachel Zegler delivers a fresh, dynamic Juliet – confident, self-assured, yet achingly tender in her pursuit of love. Together, they create a love story that feels dangerous and unstoppable, even as the audience knows their fate is sealed from the start. This production heightens the sense of inevitability, and you feel the tragedy from their very first meeting.
A love story as old as time, but told with the urgency of now.
Sam Gold’s direction amplifies the intensity of the lovers’ connection by placing it against a backdrop of rebellion and societal repression. The production’s Queer undercurrent, while subtle, infuses the play with a modern resonance that feels undeniably relevant. The tension isn’t just in the family feuds, but in the way Romeo and Juliet’s love breaks every rule laid out before them. It’s not just a tragedy of timing; it’s a rebellion against the rigid structures that try to control their lives. This new layer breathes fresh meaning into a centuries-old story, making it feel like a tale of love and defiance for today.
Supporting characters shine in this production, with Mercutio (Gabby Beans) standing out as a charismatic presence, straddling the line between comic relief and tragic figure. The way this character shifts from playful to dangerous gives the play an emotional balance, particularly in how it contrasts the lightness of Romeo’s early days with the darker consequences of their choices. The Nurse (Tommy Dorfman), too, offers more than just comic relief. She grounds Juliet’s story with a fierce maternal energy, balancing humour with the heartbreak of watching someone you love make impossible decisions. These roles, often overlooked in more traditional productions, are given space to breathe here, creating a richer emotional landscape that deepens the impact of the central love story.
The production’s staging in Circle in the Square Theatre is nothing short of transformative. The intimacy of the venue allows the audience to feel every whispered word and stolen glance, making the tragedy feel personal and immediate. The theatre’s in-the-round design pulls viewers into the action, heightening the sense that we are witnessing something private and deeply human. It’s a space that lends itself perfectly to a production that strips away the grandiosity often associated with Shakespeare and focuses instead on the raw, emotional core of the story. There’s no room for distance here – you’re right in the heart of their passion and pain, and that closeness makes every moment hit harder.
Final Thoughts ★★★★★
Would I recommend Romeo + Juliet? Absolutely, this is a must see. This production is fierce, contemporary, and unapologetically Queer in its energy. Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler’s electric performances make this a must-see, but it’s the production’s fierce modernity and emotional punch that truly set it apart.
In a fractured world, Romeo + Juliet challenges us to re-examine love, identity, and the forces that try to control them. It’s a reminder that even the most tragic love stories are worth telling, because in them, we find our own truths – messy, heartbreaking, and utterly human.
Playing at the Circle in the Square Theatre, until 16 February 2025.
Disclaimer: Ticket was purchased without any association or endorsement from the theatre.
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