THIS new production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy was superficially conventional, set in the Renaissance period, the modern twist being that Tybalt and Mercutio were female.
This twist worked well enough and Anita Thomson (Tybalt) and Tara Gilmore (Mercutio) were compelling, but what new insights it provided into the drama was slightly less evident.
Staged fairly simply, with some nicely framed scenes, the production was directed with assurance and flair.
It was beautifully costumed and the score written by Thomas Joy added a cinematic quality to the procedings.
The verse was, on the whole, spoken well, although there were some occasions when passages were slightly rushed or overly recited.
The cast was well disciplined, giving credible, strong performances. Of the support players Sam Dobson (Capulet), Amy Fitzgibbon (Nurse) and Sevan Keoshgarian (Friar) deserve mention.
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