Romeo and Juliet

This show has now closed, click here for a listing of current and future London shows

Play from 7 May 2004 to 26 September 2004

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre New Globe Walk (Bankside), London

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet will be presented by the company of men and women players as an original practices production exploring clothing, music, dance and settings possible in the Globe of 1599.

'...my mind misgives
Some consequence yet hanging in the stars
Shall bitterly begin his fearful date
With this night’s revels'

A violent street brawl between their rival families is the prelude to Romeo’s first meeting with Juliet. Despite this, and the fact that Juliet has been promised to another man in marriage, a love is born between them.

Can the relationship survive against the background of enmity between Capulet and Montague? The threat of death hangs over both families, should they dare to disturb the peace again and some, including Juliet’s cousin Tybalt, will not be easily held in check by talk or threats.

Hoping for the best, Romeo and Juliet seek to seal their union and their happiness. But when violence erupts on the streets once again, the young lovers are left searching desperately for a way out, and turn to Friar Laurence.

Note: There will be three performances of Romeo and Juliet exploring original pronunciation on 25, 26 and 27 June. These performances will explore how audiences might have heard Shakespeare’s words at the time they were written.

The other two productions which make up the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre 2004 Season are: Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing.