Globe Education Online

Resources for people passionate about learning and engaging with Shakespeare's plays

Romeo and Juliet (2009)

directed by Dominic Dromgoole


A violent street brawl between their rival families is the prelude to Romeo’s first encounter with Juliet. Despite this, and the fact that Juliet has been promised to another man in marriage, they fall in love. But any plans for their future happiness are cruelly destroyed by renewed violence between the two families – and while the adults remain almost comically preoccupied with their own affairs, among their children a hidden tragedy begins to unfold.


With its wonderful combination of lyricism, suspense and dramatic changes of mood, Shakespeare’s heartbreaking tale is one of the greatest of all love stories.


This production will employ Renaissance staging and costume. 





Creative Team


Director: Dominic Dromgoole
Designer: Simon Daw
Composer: Nigel Hess
Choreographer: Sian Williams
Fight Director: Malcolm Ranson





Cast


Holly Atkins - Lady Montague
Phil Cumbus - Mercutio
Adetomiwa Edun - Romeo
Jack Farthing - Benvolio
Miranda Foster - Lady Capulet
Ellie Kendrick - Juliet
James Lailey - Friar John / Sampson
Penny Layden - Nurse
Fergal McElherron - Peter / Gregory / Balthazar
Michael O'Hagan - Montague
Rawiri Paratene - Friar Laurence Ukweli Roach - Tybalt
Ian Redford - Capulet
Tom Stuart - Paris
Graham Vick - Abraham / Apothecary
Andrew Vincent - Prince
William Lyons, Nicholas Perry, Arngeir Hauksson, Sharon Lindo - Musicians





Discover the play


Discover other performances of Romeo and Juliet at The Globe:


Romeo and Juliet (2004)


Romeo and Juliet (2007 Touring Production)


Romeo and Juliet (2008 Touring Production)


Romeo and Juliet (2009 Playing Shakespeare)


Discover the actors' experiences making the production in Adopt an Actor:

Rawiri Paratene as Friar Laurence


Phil Cumbus as Mercutio


Penny Layden as The Nurse





Just Opinions


"deliver, like free and honest men, our just opinions" 
Henry VIII, 3.1.63-64

Have you seen this season's production? Post your thoughts on the 2009 Romeo and Juliet below:

Comments

My name is lucas, I have

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Maybe it's my fascination

Maybe it's my fascination with the Franco Zefirelli's version speaking now, I do not know. But I definitely refuse to believe that the Romeo and Juliet that I saw is a London thetrical must-see. The acting did not move me a tiny bit; the overall impression is that there was too much action when there was no need for it, and too little - where appropriate. And nothing romantic about the two main characters who didn't seem to have clicked interpersonally.But nice article, very helpful. Thanks!!

I have to say, the two main

I have to say, the two main protagonists were exceptional. Young lovers they maybe in the play, but the chemistry was felt when these two acted their wonderful lines. Kendrick for me has come on massively from her role in Anne Frank (excellent by the way) and the manner in which she delivered her lines convinced me she has a huge future. Young Romeo, now thats a youn gman who can act, and fair play to him for delivering such a tough role so impeccably, i hope to see more of him at the Globe or on tours in the future. The play, was excellent, well done to the Dominic for excellence in directorship!

It was great! so much better

It was great! so much better that how we are taught Shakespeare at school. I enjoyed this so much (even standing!) that im going back twice in 2010 to see two more! Counting down the days until the box office opens! I found the comedy amazing, you just dont get that reading the play. My favorite bit? When they sang about switching mobile phones off. priceless! far more convincing than the 'Orange' ads you get in the cinema, I've never seen so many hands reaching into pockets and bags! We saw this at 7pm and even the helecopter couldnt break the spell, You could have heard a pin drop througout the whole of this. 11/10 (because Jack Farthing was some lush eye candy to stare at for a few hours!)

I thought the play was very

I thought the play was very dramatic and exciting!!! The atmosphere was great and being at the Globe made it feel even more special. I never got bored through the three hours because of the unbelievable storyline and great acting. The main thing that really got me into it was the fantastic display of sword fighting and just thinking how can they possibly do that? My favourite actor was Phil Cumbus who played Mertico; I thought that his acting was amazing and side splittingly funny. I was also think that it was amazing how they managed to make you laugh and feel so sad at the same time.

At some parts of the play I was confused because of the old English aspects in it. But for most of the play I really enjoyed it; I would definately go and watch it again!!!

Bonvolio and Mercutio were

Bonvolio and Mercutio were great in it... They were so convincing but Juliet and Romeo were all over the place. I'm sure they are very capable actors but there was no consistency in their performance. I found it a great shame but it did actually get very tedious, it was far too long. I think Shakespeare would have been very disappointed by this production.

Found the direction lacking

Found the direction lacking - too much shouting, didn't feel natural.
Good acting, but the timing and pacing, (director's province) was hurried and run-together.
Lead actors very good, but lacking in chemistry between them.

I would definitely see it

I would definitely see it again. The performers were fantastic and brought the stage to life.

The below author has got a

The below author has got a point after all. Yet all was not hopeless. If one just forgot it was supposed to be a classic tragedy, one would have immensely enjoyed the act, of which Benvolio and Mercutio were the shining stars :)

Hi Watched Romeo and Juliet

Hi
Watched Romeo and Juliet the other day. Was a bit disappointed, to be honest. I am pretty traditional when it comes to the classic literature. And Sheakspeare is something that is not to be trifled with, searching for new images, comic twists or simply following the general mass-production and popularization trends.
Maybe it's my fascination with the Franco Zefirelli's version speaking now, I do not know. But I definitely refuse to believe that the Romeo and Juliet that I saw is a London thetrical must-see. The acting did not move me a tiny bit; the overall impression is that there was too much action when there was no need for it, and too little - where appropriate. And nothing romantic about the two main characters who didn't seem to have clicked interpersonally. At least I took some pics of the theatre itself, which totally saved the evening.

It was absolutely amazing. I

It was absolutely amazing. I would definitely see it again. The performers were fantastic and brought the stage to life.

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