Romeo and Juliet

WAAPA’s Third Year Acting Students are using the State Theatre Centre’s Studio Underground to present this large scale, production of Romeo and Juliet. Set in Verona, but in the 1950s, it is a passionate, gorgeous looking show, that sits nicely in its new time period. 

The multi-level set, that allows for balcony scenes, a sunken tomb and the scaling of orchard walls, also shows us Italian graffiti and provides great atmosphere - a lovely design by student designer Kara Rousseau and an excellent demonstration of the skill of the Production and Design students. Peter Young’s Lighting Design is strong and emotive, while sound designer Patrick Middleton evokes the era. Gabrielle Clarke’s costume designs are beautiful - from the elegance of Lady Capulet, through the flamboyance of Mercutio to the innocent whites worn by Juliet.

Some excellent performances kept us enthralled with the story. Poppy Lynch gave us a very teenaged Juliet on a journey of discovery, with Saskia Archer beautifully elegant and aloof as Lady Capulet and Bryn Chapman Parish a rather frightening and controlling Lord Capulet. Camila Ponte-Alvarez crosses gender nicely to play a passionate Tybalt, Kaya Jarrett is a likeable and motherly Nurse, while Hamish White provides welcome comic relief as Peter. Good work also from Benjamin Chapple and Justin Bell as servants in the Capulet home.

Jonathan Lagudi is a likeable Romeo, who, given the time period, feels like a decidedly Italian incarnation of West Side Story’s Tony. Lucinda Howes is lovely as his cousin and confidant Benvolio as is Peter Thurnwald as his friend Mercutio. Lachlan Stevenson is a convincing Lord Montague, working well with Mariama Whiten as his wife. Alexander Dilley works well as Abram with Kyle Barret impressive as both Balthazar and Friar John. 

Ruby Maishman is a stand out as Friar Laurence, whose care for the young lovers feels genuine and heartfelt. Jessica Veitch has lovely poise and authority as Prince Escalus. Alexander Dilley is perhaps the most sympathetic and nuanced Paris I have seen, while Julia Kok makes the most of her cameos, especially the Apothecary and servant boy at the tomb.

Playing to an almost full house, including several school groups, the cast kept the audience entranced, with a lovely understanding and clear love of the language. An enjoyable, easy to watch production of this love story.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jon Green