Age-old romance for the present day

THE bittersweet tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo & Juliet is perhaps the most famous romance ever told, as popular today as it was in the 17th century.

Shakespeare's timeless tragedy has been retold in countless ways over the decades, but even the visionary playwright himself would have struggled to envisage its transformation into the fun-filled, rock 'n' roll extravaganza soon coming to Harlow courtesy of a national children's theatre group.

Bringing the Bard's play up-to-date with an effervescent young cast, award-winning production company Shakespeare 4 Kidz promise to shake up Shakespeare and breathe new life into his 400-year-old play.

S4K ditches the period costume and strips back the flowery language to create something truly modern and unique.

Rebellious Romeo Montague and his friends decide to gatecrash the rival Capulet family's ball to stir up some trouble, but instead the teenage tearaway falls head-over-heels with the enemy's daughter Juliet.

When their forbidden love and clandestine marriage becomes public, the rival gangs turn to violence in the streets, two young men die and Romeo is exiled, leaving his new love pining for his return.

Desperate to be reunited, she enlists the help of kindly Friar Lawrence and together they hatch a fare-devil plan involving a dangerous potion.

In a breathless race against time and fate, can Romeo make it back to his bride's side before it is too late?

Director Julian Chenery told the Star he hopes S4K's adaptation will encourage youngsters to take the first step towards learning more about Britain's most famous literary son.

"We've broken down some of the language barriers and updated the setting, but the key aspects of the story are still intact," he said.

"The story remains so relevant to society today - it deals with knife crime, teenage love, politics and religion - and our adaptation makes this timeless tale accessible to everyone."

Romeo & Juliet arrives at The Playhouse on March 17. The two showings are at 1.30pm and 7.30pm and tickets are £14 (£9 for children) from (01279) 431945.

See the original article on the Harlow Star website