Relocating classic Shakespeare from 1597 in Italy to current day Manchester is a big risk whilst still using Shakespearean language with a Mancunia accent says Paul Smalley
Well Trinadian director Nicholai La Barrie certainly pulls it off.
Acted superbly throughout by all with perfect casting really it’s unfair to single anyone out, but Connor Glean (Romeo) and Shalisha James -Davis (Juliet) are unquestionably worth the exception producing outstanding performances from commencement to conclusion.
The production which runs for three hours with a twenty minute interval may seem excessive but the time goes by so quickly as you are drawn into the whole production and the opposition that the Romeo and Juliet must overcome, including a dance house party where you are actively requested to join in, which many did, including exceptional use of The Royal Exchange’s unique set up and multi level facility of the dome.
You do feel that the first half is a comedy with many amusing moments; remember though this a tragedy which soon becomes prevelent in a far dark and deeper second half.
As our characters progress to the final tragedy that slowly becomes clear we receive the ultimate finale of Juliet’s funeral which is brilliantly produced to epitise what many consider Manchester to be, a dark wet city.
As the funeral procession proceeds to the centre stage the thunder and lightning from very good special effects are excellent, the dark blackness, black clothing, black umbrella’s and rain slowly falling from the dome indoors onto all, reminiscent of a dark Lowry, with a soft backdrop to the Elbow classic “Build a Rocket Boy’s”.
The play is a fantastic rendition of transposing a classic to the modern day, utilising so much of Manchester into the whole performance.
Shakespeare is in Manchester and on this production Manchester is Shakespeare.
Superb – performances continue until Saturday 18th November.
Try and catch the brilliance.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
