Our debut
year. Looking back, I wonder at how simple it all seemed. How little we
all knew back then. But, to be fair, I would do it all again, the same
way. Well, with maybe a few changes for the better).
That first tour was absolutely magical, with a fantastic cast
and crew, so many great venues, and even the office veterans were still
novices. I will treasure those memories for a very long time.
Richard
Main |
Romeo
and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Karen Crow
In Verona, an ancient feud
breaks out again between the Capulets and the Montagues. The Prince is
unable to pacify the two factions.
Romeo, the son and heir of Montague, sees Juliet, the only child of
Capulet, when he and his friends Benvolio and Mercutio go masked to a
feast in the enemy household. Romeo falls in love with Juliet and forgets
his former love Rosaline.
Regardless of the danger, Romeo declares his love to Juliet when she
appears that night at her balcony, and the next day, with the help of her
nurse and their confessor Friar Laurence, they are secretly married.
Shortly after Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, challenges Romeo to a duel. He
declines but Mercutio fights instead and is killed. Romeo avenges his
friend by killing Tybalt and escapes. He is banished from Verona by the
Prince, after spending his wedding night secretly with Juliet he flies to
Mantua.
Juliet's father arranges for her to be married immediately to a young
kinsman of the Prince, Paris. In desperation she goes for help to Friar
Laurence who gives her a sleeping potion that makes her appear to be dead.
He plans that, after she has been 'buried', she will revive and be united
with Romeo to whom he will write in Mantua. All goes as planned, except
that the Friar's message to Romeo miscarries and instead he receives news
that Juliet is really dead. He buys poison and resolves to die at her
side.
Returning to Verona, Romeo encounters Paris at the vault and kills him,
then discovering Juliet's 'dead' body he takes the poison. Juliet wakes
too late; Romeo is dead. She kills herself. The two families gather over
their dead children. When the Friar tells them the truth of what has
happened they vow to be reconciled.
What
the venues said…
"Congratulations on an excellent performance last night. Despite the
very unseasonal weather the audience were appreciative. His Grace came
over this morning especially to say how much he enjoyed it and to comment
on how well the site had been cleared!"
The Living Landscape Trust, Boughton House
"We would like to congratulate you on the wonderful production of
Romeo and Juliet, it was very enjoyable. We would love to welcome
Chapterhouse to Easton Lodge next year."
Gardens of Easton Lodge |
|
What
the papers said…
'An enthusiasm and flair that was positively intoxicating.'
The Chester Chronicle
'Well developed and thought provoking - a stunning version of a great
classic.'
Dunmow Broadcaster
'A magical evening of Shakespeare in spectacular surroundings with scenes
of staggering beauty.'
The Derbyshire Times
What
the audiences said…
“The performance of Romeo and Juliet was extremely good. The acting was
superb and our whole party was thrilled with the evening. The setting of
Bowhill was beautiful. It was such an enjoyable evening and it is so nice
to have something a little different in the Borders.”
“Superb setting, good production, a most enjoyable evening.”
“Skilful production, talented execution. Would like to see more from
this young company.”
“Lovely area. Lovely setting. A perfect evening. Well done.”
“It was the best performance of Romeo & Juliet I have ever seen!
There was a natural ease amongst the cast that allowed the characters to
come over in a very convincing way.”
“An excellent production. A very entertaining evening. A stunning
backdrop.”
“I loved it and especially as I must be the only one who doesn’t know
the story at 36!”
“Superb production.”
“All I can say is that the show was truly wonderful.”
“Excellent production full of fresh interpretation, angst and passion. A
perfect portrayal.” |
