Review: Stafford Gatehouse’s Open-Air Performance of ROMEO + JULIET*

Two households both alike in dignity in…Stafford Castle where we lay our scene…

Hopefully, you’ll recognise the opening lines to ROMEO + JULIET and can be transported to Stafford Castle where Stafford Gatehouse Theatre‘s fabulous open-air performance of the historical Shakespearean play took place last night.

We walked the fairly lit lane taking us up to the location of the Castle and were guided to the set position, by the moat on the brow of the hill. This is the 30th year of a Shakespeare play being put on at the grounds of the Castle, having started back in 1991 – we met a couple on the night who had been to the very first one, on an apparently much warmer June evening! But that didn’t stop the enjoyment and if you would like to know more just keep reading our very latest theatre review…

What we thought of the ROMEO + JULIET – 30th Anniversary on the outdoor stage in Stafford. 

Walking from the car park and arriving at a small wood that was lit with beautiful lights made the approach to the event magical. We then arrived at the top of the brow at the start of the castle grounds and were presented with our tickets and guided to the bar. The bar was equipped with a huge array of food and drinks, more than is usual for Stafford Gatehouse (where events normally take place). We bought some fries and breaded halloumi and went to get our seats by the outdoor stage.

The set was absolutely brilliant. It was made to look like an Italian courtyard surrounded by a balcony. The floor appeared to be made from stone and with trees growing from the ground. The set was simple, and yet it had in each corner intricate details that you might just miss if you didn’t take the time to look. There was a water spout with a lion’s head and the tree that grew out of the stone floor, had a dusting of sand and roots visible, then the detailing on the stone floor and iron gates just set the scene so perfectly.

When it came to the performance, just the start of the words being spoken from the opening scene gave me goosebumps – I tried my best not to mouth the words, as Prince Escalus called out the script from the stage. I have seen this play so many times before, and each time when it’s performed by different people on a different stage it somehow manages to rejuvenate itself.

When you think this play has been around since 1597 and is still going strong, which is certainly a long time for a play to continue to be performed. It has been adapted into film several times over and is a favourite in school still now. The performance at Stafford Castle is a classic version of the tale with a few musical twists – that aren’t that obvious – but you can hear them if you watch out!

The twists include some modern songs played in a way you might expect in Shakespearean times. We particularly enjoyed the pockets of live music played by several cast members throughout the play. They often played from Juliet’s room which was on the first floor the corner of the set, and they were lit with dim lights creating a hypnotic atmosphere. The skills of the cast were remarkable the music was well played and the vocals were mesmerising. They didn’t just sing they created ambience and it worked to give so many layers to the performance.

ROMEO + JULIET was well cast and the towering prominence of Romeo had, but the way in which Tom Lane portrayed his character – just as you would read Romeo to be – a gentle and passionate soul that wants to do good in the conflicting world in which he lives. Juliet was a strong character too. Madelaine Leslay came across as the thoughtful teen I always think of her as, and equally shy, passionate, but frustrated.

All the characters gave good performances and each of them took on the characters as their true forms. Benlovio as the mediator and Mercutio as the comic! Friar Laurence, played by Morgan Brind was compassionate with the right amount of authority towards the two young characters [Romeo & Juliet]. But one of the stand-out performances for me was from Tom Vaughn, who although wasn’t on stage a lot depicted Tybalt in an unforgettable way.

The first act was light and was still performed in daylight, but as the second act commenced so too did the rain. I was thankful to be undercover and thought of strange it must have been for the cast, but I have to say as the sun was setting and the rain falling it only added to the drama of the evening. In the second half, the play went from being hopeful to dark and tragic was just fantastic. It’s such a sad story but was played so well and seeing it outside for the first time made it all the more memorable. I would recommend going to see this or any other of the Shakespeare performance at Stafford Castle, as the one that is true with their production is the consistency in quality.

Cast

Romeo – Tom Lane
Juliet – Madelaine Leslay
The Nurse – Gill Jordan
Mercutio – Robert Hamilton
Tybalt – Tom Vaughn
Lord Capulet – Sean McKenzie
Lady Capulet – Jessica Dives
Friar Laurence – Morgan Brind
Lord Montegue – Ivan Stott
Benlovio – David King-Yombo
Paris – Stanton Wright
Prince Escalus – Morgan Philipott
Petra – Olivia Rose Deane
Balthasar – Tim Chapman
Friar John – Keith Minshull

Creative Team 

Producer-Director – Tim Ford
Musical Director – Ivan Stott
Production Designer – Morgan Brind
Lighting Designer – Matt Clutterham
Sound Designer – James Cook
Movement Director – Verity Bray
Fight Director – Dr Ian Staplton
Production Manager – Richard Goodman
Stage Managers – Wesley Carter, Jenny Northam, Jade Ayres
Wardrobe Supervisor Margaret Lock
Set Construction – Tim Murley
Sound Operator – Simon Yorath
LX Operator – Tom Hawley
Dresser Charlotte Homer
Stage Crew – Hannah Grosvenor, Lora Parry

Tips when attending the Outdoor Stage at Stafford Castle 

One of the biggest tips is to come prepared for the weather. You are outside and as soon as the sun sets, being in the UK, you’ll know so does the temperature.

We took with us blankets and extra clothing and wore closed shoes to keep the heat in.

You don’t need to worry about the rain as the seating section is under a canopy.

Parking is free and on the field at the bottom of the Castle.

You can order food from the bar at the event, or if you’re organised, bring a picnic to enjoy on these wonderous grounds.

When is ROMEO + JULIET and where will it be held?

The show will be running until 9 July 2022 at Stafford Castle. It is an open-air production to mark the 30^th anniversary of Stafford Shakespeare events and will be a landmark occasion in every sense. Shows will be on at 8pm while the matinee show starts at 2pm. Please check the website on exact timing details.

How much are the tickets and how do I book them?

Tickets for the performances are priced at £35 (Concession tickets are priced at £32).  Tickets can be booked by calling the Gatehouse Theatre Box Office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here. Do note, age suitability for this show is 11+

Where is Stafford Castle?

Stafford Castle is located on Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1DJ. There is no charge to park on the car park, however there is a donation box if visitors wish to make a donation.

About Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre offers a range of touring shows and in-house productions, covering big-name acts and top touring companies to home-grown talent and our popular summer school shows.

They also produce the prestigious annual Stafford Shakespeare production, which marks its 30th year this summer with ROMEO + JULIET  on the grounds of Stafford Castle, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the UK and beyond.

They have two performance spaces: the main auditorium, with a seating capacity of 545, and the adaptable space of The MET Studio, which can seat up to 140 guests in several configurations.

During the day, the theatre houses a smart new coffee shop (Mon-Sat 10 am-3 pm) offering top-quality drinks and snacks in a beautiful setting, complete with free upgraded Wi-Fi and USB charging points.

At night, the theatre’s bar is the perfect place for a pre-show drink or post-show chat – often with the stars of the production popping in.

The theatre also houses Stafford’s Visitor Information Service, with a touch-screen information centre and helpful staff, where you can find information on regional and national events. Open: Monday to Saturday 9.30 am – 5.30 pm.

You may also want to read this:

Review of Shakespeare’s Family Homes in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Review: Horrible Histories – Brand New Barmy Britain at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review of Dick Whittington the Rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre 

Photo credit: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre/Pamela Raith Photography

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.