Nottingham Shakespeare Company to take the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet on tour to Newark and Southwell

A timeless tragedy of star crossed lovers is set to go on tour next year.

The Nottingham Shakespeare Company’s new production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet follows the resounding success of their summer 2023 hit, Much Ado About Nothing, and is heading to multiple town centre venues.

The 90-minute rendition promises to be an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions, starring singer/songwriter Emily Ashberry and rising star Harriet Cadman as the tragic couple.

The fiery Tybalt and provocative Mercutio are brought to life by Ken Ogborn and Laurence James-Davis respectively, while Michelle-Louise Wright and Toni Tailor-Bird make a triumphant return as Capulet and Friar Laurence.

Nottingham performance artists Elliot Mattingley and Alex Chalk are Benvolio and the Nurse, stage combat lead Olivia Newton will play Lady Capulet and director Cat Prescott also takes to the stage as Montague.

The classic tale is blended with the company’s edge-of-your-seat action, to explore gender roles in a fractured society, dance between passion and obsession, love and sexuality, life and death.

A contemporary flair is added to this retelling of Romeo and Juliet under the direction of founding member Cat Prescott, making her Shakespearean directorial debut.

She said: “This is the play that made me first fall in love with Shakespeare, I hope our audiences feel that same passion and enthusiasm as we reach beyond the classic boy meets girl narrative. I can't wait to share my interpretation of this iconic tale."

The show will be in Newark on Friday, February 9, at 7pm in Newark Town Hall, in aid of the Mayor’s charity fund.

It will also be on stage for multiple performances at Southwell Minster, on Saturday, February 17.

A free, no-frills matinee will be held at 2pm, followed by a stunning final performance of the tour in the nave at 7pm.