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.
Reviews of the Play
"A cracking love letter to theatre itself that strikes gold in its stage version" WhatsOnStage
"Lee Hall’s adaptation preserves the wit of the original screenplay while adding some zest of its own... It has a fizzy, infectious exuberance." Evening Standard
"The writing is so witty and literate that it glitters. This is Tom Stoppard’s original work at its sparkling best, ably translated to the stage." The ReviewsHub
Remaining Casting Call
The play is almost fully cast with the following exceptions:
Hugh Fennyman, 40s+, Hard-hearted moneylender turned theatre lover, also plays the Apothecary. Lovely principal character part, played by Tom Wilkinson in the film.
Sam, Young actor who takes the female roles, rehearses for Juliet, Playing age 16-20.
Ralph/Lambert, Actor in Will Shakespeare's company/One of Henslowe's henchmen. Any age.
For further information about the play, casting requirements and auditions please contact the director Hugh Sorrill on hugh@coventryvision.org.uk
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.