I am strongly in favour of anything that draws new audiences, particularly youngsters, to Shakespeare's works. Productions in modern dress, for example, are no problem and can, indeed, help theatregoers recognise a play's relevance.

I do, though, question where this adaptation fits in. Yes, the story faithfully follows the essence of the original and most of the songs blend in to carry it forward. However, only relatively few snippets of the script is in the Bard's own words and much of it was written by Julian Chenery, who also directed. This gives us few chances to appreciate the essential rhythm of the original.

Then while, for example, Debbie Leigh Simmons' portrayal of the nurse as a brusque, down-to-earth yet caring woman, who came over strongly in her solo I'm Juliet's Nurse, Antony Stuart-Hicks' interpretation of Friar Lawrence as a coarse man given, among other thing, to taking frequent swigs from a flask was less understandable.

Neal Andrews and Jenny Perry drew the audience in from their first meeting, their instant mutual attraction and duets, One Kiss and Just His Name, through to their ultimate tragic deaths.

Noel Andrew Harron brought out Mercutio's ebullience to the full with his nimble movement and whole-hearted rendition of Queen Mab, in which he was supported by excellent ensemble work. It was sad to see him killed off by the hate-filled Tybalt (Tommi Baxter-Hill) before the interval.

Steven Smallwood carried the authority expected of Prince Escalus as he Banished (to quote the title of the song) Romeo from Verona to Mantua.

The company was near-faultless throughout in its moves (choreographed by Joseph Fowler) and singing - never better than when the Capulet family was getting Ready for the Wedding (the title of the song).

Simple sets left the stage free for movement and locations were ideally established by frequent-changing, well-chosen images on a large screen, upstage.

As entertainment, Romeo and Juliet - The Musical has a fair bit going for it - witness the perfectly behaved audience - almost all young students. However much they chatted in the interval (much of it about the play) they were instantly silent as soon as the curtain rose. My hope is that it has opened the door to make them want to learn more about the beauty of Shakespeare's works in their original language.

Shakespeare 4 Kidz Theatre Company - Dorking Halls
Reviewed by Tony Flook