‘an energetic and engaging romp, entertaining and enjoyable at every turn’
The challenge of a play that is so well known and that has been so successfully filmed, is what can you do with it? Well, Oddsocks Productions finds laughs and pathos amidst the tragedy with their most entertaining take on this well-loved classic with added topical references and a cast of five playing multiple roles.
A family feud divides the community and violence stalks the streets. Ring any bells? But a pair of star-crossed lovers can see beyond hate and dare to follow their heart.
How does Romeo (Tom McMillan) sidestep Mercutio’s (Jim Burrows) attempts to distract him? Will Juliet (Madeleine-Grace Brown) with the aid of Nurse (Elli Mackenzie) evade Lord Capulet’s (Andy Barrow) intentions to marry her off? Can Friar Lawrence (Burrows) come up with a cunning plan when cat-like Tybalt (Barrow) becomes somewhat indisposed? It’s all here but in a brighter, fresher, and accessible way.
Playing in the open air of the Ken Dodd Performance Garden, the multipurpose staging was readily adapted by the cast as we seamlessly segued through the scenes with interchangeable pieces of set and props in a well-considered production from Mackenzie and Assistant Producer Charlie Mackenzie-Barrow, with their balanced use of music providing the finishing touch, and all great examples of how less is more.
Jo Birkett’s costume design was resplendent, reflecting each character and allowing for quick changes behind the scenes, whilst the duality of Barrow’s interplay between Capulet and Tybalt was particularly inspired in its comical portrayal.
The production had the audience in good spirits from the cleverly constructed opening prologue with the right balance of interaction and input; I especially enjoyed the references to the audience as other non-appearing characters which played out with much relish.
It’s an energetic and engaging romp, entertaining and enjoyable at every turn, with strong performances from the cast who display wonderful comic timing and excellent choreography throughout, whilst lyrically the mix of original and new lines flows beautifully.
Brown’s Juliet is perfectly precocious with her knowing innocence offset by teenage tantrums, whilst Mackenzie’s Nurse is larger than life and suitably earthy in every moment.
McMillan’s Romeo – with his lovely hair – is suitably earnest in what was, at the right moments, a quite moving performance. In contrast, Barrow served up a delightful double dose of brashness and anger with Capulet and Tybalt, with a Brummie Balthasar thrown in for good measure.
Burrows’ unique take on Friar Lawrence worked well, whilst his spirited and worldly Mercutio showcased his range: the impressive Queen Maab speech left me wanting more – including those two extra pages!
Established 37 years ago by Barrow and Mackenzie, Oddsocks Productions is a critically acclaimed national touring theatre company that takes its work out to diverse communities across the UK, with its summer season a celebration of the work of Shakespeare. For further information on the company and venues for this production of Romo and Juliet, please go to https://www.oddsocks.co.uk/
Review Date: 27th June 2026
Star Rating: FIVE