Creation Theatre’s reputation for originality and innovation is thoroughly deserved, if their latest production Romeo + Juliet is anything to go by. Set at the impressive open-air rooftop amphitheatre at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the play is performed in a fast-paced style consistent with other productions in the Company’s 15 year history.
To describe it simply as a modern take on this well-known classic would be to undervalue the work of this highly successful group. The performance begins with striking visual and audio impact as the audience stands surrounding the action and the rival Montague and Capulet families are introduced. Much of the performance is interspersed with entertaining dance scenes sparkling with originality- although sometimes more reminiscent of a scene from The Mighty Boosh than what one would expect from a Shakespearean production, due to some of the cast’s garish costumes.
Visually strong dance scenes are mirrored throughout by well choreographed fight scenes. Much credit for this should go to Artistic and Executive Producer David Parrish for the leadership and vision he has brought to the Company since its inception. It is 14 years since he first led Creation Theatre in a production of Romeo and Juliet, and while the cast members may have changed since that time, the passion to produce outstanding theatre has not been reduced.
Creation’s reputation for producing site-specific theatre was reinforced by their impressive use of the space around the Saïd Business School complex. The intimate amphitheatre seats a couple of hundred spectators but the open area to the front gets good use throughout the play, echoes casting around the courtyard and drawing the attention of the last few students overlooking the arena. Take a comfy cushion to the performance to avoid a sore bum and watch the weather forecast carefully! A waterproof is essential for avoiding a few spots of rain, although the production can relocate to a covered area during particularly poor weather.
The two highlights amongst the cast were an excellent and likeable Amy Noble as the love-struck Juliet and Benjamin Askew as Romeo’s witty and boisterous friend Mercutio. A special mention should go to Nicky Goldie, playing a prominent role as Juliet’s nurse (and Prince Escalus). Her Yorkshire-accented interpretation of the nurse’s indelicate statements brought nearly as many laughs to the evening as some of Mercutio’s more vulgar moments.
For all its moments of light-hearted flair, this production provides an interesting, convincing and, at times moving take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous works. If you can’t block out the sound of the occasional fire engine then at least hope it falls during a fight scene rather than the balcony scene (we weren’t so lucky).
To describe it simply as a modern take on this well-known classic would be to undervalue the work of this highly successful group. The performance begins with striking visual and audio impact as the audience stands surrounding the action and the rival Montague and Capulet families are introduced. Much of the performance is interspersed with entertaining dance scenes sparkling with originality- although sometimes more reminiscent of a scene from The Mighty Boosh than what one would expect from a Shakespearean production, due to some of the cast’s garish costumes.
Visually strong dance scenes are mirrored throughout by well choreographed fight scenes. Much credit for this should go to Artistic and Executive Producer David Parrish for the leadership and vision he has brought to the Company since its inception. It is 14 years since he first led Creation Theatre in a production of Romeo and Juliet, and while the cast members may have changed since that time, the passion to produce outstanding theatre has not been reduced.
Creation’s reputation for producing site-specific theatre was reinforced by their impressive use of the space around the Saïd Business School complex. The intimate amphitheatre seats a couple of hundred spectators but the open area to the front gets good use throughout the play, echoes casting around the courtyard and drawing the attention of the last few students overlooking the arena. Take a comfy cushion to the performance to avoid a sore bum and watch the weather forecast carefully! A waterproof is essential for avoiding a few spots of rain, although the production can relocate to a covered area during particularly poor weather.
The two highlights amongst the cast were an excellent and likeable Amy Noble as the love-struck Juliet and Benjamin Askew as Romeo’s witty and boisterous friend Mercutio. A special mention should go to Nicky Goldie, playing a prominent role as Juliet’s nurse (and Prince Escalus). Her Yorkshire-accented interpretation of the nurse’s indelicate statements brought nearly as many laughs to the evening as some of Mercutio’s more vulgar moments.
For all its moments of light-hearted flair, this production provides an interesting, convincing and, at times moving take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous works. If you can’t block out the sound of the occasional fire engine then at least hope it falls during a fight scene rather than the balcony scene (we weren’t so lucky).