Based on the Academy Award-winning movie, this enchanting, hilarious, romantic stage play reimagines William Shakespeare's creative process – and explores his inspiration – as he writes Romeo and Juliet.
William Shakespeare hasn't written a hit in years, and theatre owner Henslowe is counting on Shakespeare's promised comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter, to keep his wolfish creditors from the door. At the casting session, Will hears his lines spoken with great feeling by an unknown young actor and his curiosity is fired. Soon he discovers the secret of the talented young actor and rediscovers his muse. As Shakespeare falls in love with an unattainable noblewoman, the farcical comedy transforms into the timeless tragedy that is Romeo and Juliet.
In line with our EDI policy, we undertake an EDI impact assessment of all our artistic programming. This play has no central diversity message. For the purposes of the story narrative, there are indications where specific playing gender identifications are called for and there are also recommendations of approximate playing ages. Otherwise there can be considerable flexibility around casting with regard to ethnicity, age and disability. Roles can be gender swapped.