West End star to play Romeo
A bright new star of the West End has been cast to play Romeo in Shakespeare 4 Kidz’ musical version of the most famous love story ever told.

He is Neil Toon, a versatile 24 year old, whose West End roles include heart-throb Marius in Les Miserables and Link Larkin in the all-singing-all-dancing smash hit Hairspray. He’s also appeared in the popular TV teen soap Hollyoaks.

Neil plays Romeo for the S4K international tour which starts in Dubai on April 27 and includes Damascus, Sharjah, Bahrain and Gibraltar.

He moves into the part direct from appearing in New Boy at the Trafalgar Studios and also scored a personal success when he took the title role in his first pantomime, Aladdin, at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking last Christmas.

As well as having strong musical credentials, the blond tenor is also a fit sportsman who is experienced at scuba diving, swimming, tennis, football and athletics.

He is excited about the forthcoming tour. “I was hoping to get away on holiday this summer but it seemed doubtful because of the credit crunch. I’m very lucky as now I’m going to beautiful places with beautiful sunshine doing what I love and getting paid for it.

“I love a challenge and keeping things fresh. I’ve been in the West End for three years since leaving Arts Educational drama school and S4K’s Romeo and Juliet is the chance to do something new.

“I went into Les Miserables straight from drama school and could have stayed in Hairspray another year for more money – Michael Ball is now a good personal friend – but I want to put my feet where no-one else has trod before, to do different things, try different challenges.”

The part of Romeo has a special place in Neil’s heart as it was one of the character’s speeches which won him his place at drama school.

Shakespeare 4 Kidz’ Romeo and Juliet tells the story of the star-crossed lovers in a combination of original text and modern language with songs and dance, making the show easy-to-understand and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Tour dates are April 27-30 in Dubai; May 3 – 6 in Damascus; May 9 & 10 in Sharjah and May 14 in Bahrain.
 
What they say about us:

S4K MACBETH: "If any of those children grow up remembering Macbeth as an exciting, approachable spectacle, then Shakespeare 4 Kids’s is to be commended."