As the capacity audience enter the auditorium, they are greeted by musicians and players already on stage creating an ebullient beginning to this, the first full show Pop Up Globe Shakespeare Company has performed since 2019 and boy, the audience is so ready to be entertained.

As the last strains of ” Sweet Dreams are Made of This” faded, the action started on a faithful replica of London’s Globe with audience seated downstage on both sides of the stage.

Director David Lawrence directs with a fluidity that used the whole auditorium which gives the actors a great physicality to their performances when needed.

This is a tragedy about star crossed lovers, love and fate but filled with robust and vibrant energy. It can be interpreted as a comedy as much as a tragedy and here it was given full range to the comedic side of the story and lines. Innuendo was the noun of the night which, while the audience loved them, it did distract from the script and the characters.

A cast of thirteen actors and two musicians are kept busy as the play moves quickly through superb sword fights, effective comic scenes, heartfelt drama all of which adds up to as wonderful a night of pleasurable theatre which everyone should see. How often do you get to see full scale Shakespeare played with commitment and be able to take photos as well because “the actors like that! “

Kirsty Bruce and Bryony Skillington are suitably regal as the Ladies of the Court, both with clear vocals.

Frith Horan as the bawdy, gallant friend of Romeo, Mercutio, was totally at one with her character. Great facial and vocal skills made this performance a highlight.

I also liked Adrian Hooke as Tybalt as he brought an acting maturity to the proceedings.

Kevin Keys as Friar Laurence was the standout. A performance of great control, very clear understanding of the lines, skill in theatre technique and vocally superb.

Alistair Sewell and Natasha Daniel as Romeo and Juliet looked great and had chemistry.

All the actors worked very well with each other to create a cohesive whole.

I spoke to several members of the audience after the show to gauge their response and they all thought it was very funny and entertaining. I was very pleased that the house lights were turned off for the second half of the show and that quietened the serial laughers. Thankfully.

Two personal things I loved were the burning, smoking live flame torches and I always find it amusing how actors love their Doc Martens!  

Reviewed by David Charteris

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