A national treasure

10:48am Wednesday 12th November 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THE soft drinks machine next to the Lowry’s Lyric Theatre did brisk business on Tuesday night, there were so many teenagers in the auditorium.

Ninety nine per cent of whom sat in complete silence, totally captivated by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet.

They weren’t the only ones. Three hours 15 minutes may sound like a long haul but the time flew. This RSC production strikes the perfect balance between being dramatic and seductively romantic. Some of the lines are the most beautiful ever to flow from a quill pen and simply hearing them spoken sends a shiver down my spine. He could write a bit, that Bill Shakespeare.

As for the performances, well, if only I had space to praise the entire cast as they’re all outstanding. Anneka Rose is the first black Juliet I’ve ever seen, but what’s really important is the way she utterly convinces as a teenager in love. Yes, Shakespeare’s doomed lovers were only meant to be in their teens and David Dawson is also suitably wide eyed and love sick as Romeo. There’s a potent chemistry between the two actors and you even find yourself wishing that it didn’t have to all end in tears.

Christopher Hunter also excels as Juliet’s father, Lord Capulet and when he tears into what he sees as his defiant daughter you can’t help but feel sorry for his cowering daughter. My goodness, this guy has a temper. I also liked James Clyde who has a powerful stage presence as Friar Laurence. In fact, there isn’t a single performance I didn’t like.

The music serves to make an emotional evening’s theatre even more emotional and if you’ve never seen the RSC before, I urge you not to pass this opportunity up. It may be a cliche, but they really are a national treasure. Rick Bowen * Until Saturday. The box office is on 0870 111 2000. Star rating - *****