Two Thirds Theatre Company bring a tremendous modern day transformation of Romeo and Juliet to the stage. Written by Victoria Baker, the ingenious script translates the warring houses of Capulet and Montague into rival supermarkets. As Tesco and Asda battle it out, Rodney and Julie Facebook chat and decide to renounce the constraints of their employers so that Julie can follow her dream to become a beautician. The performance gives the old classic a hilarious makeover and the result is something excellent.
If this sounds a little absurd, it is, and that is what makes it awesome. This adaptation has a charisma all of its own. There are a couple of choice lines from the Shakespearian script which keep it solidly rooted, but these are brilliantly juxtaposed with a whirlwind of colloquialisms and Geordie idiosyncrasies. This boots any tragic element completely out of the window; this is a full blown comedy and you will laugh your socks off. It’s a slight shame that the play doesn’t find a way to finish more neatly mirroring the original plot, but its conclusion is extremely entertaining nonetheless.
Each member of this seven strong cast ace their performances. Jordan Alexandria as Nan (The Nurse) has impeccable comic timing while Victoria Baker as Julie is the perfect stereotypical teenager; everyone brings sterling talent to the table. Moreover, they work not just as individuals but as a synchronised unit to create the set, the sound, and the lighting. Walls made out of human tetris are built on stage, human ducks are fed in the human park, even the internet becomes a human being filled with human viruses. The innovation in every scene is astounding, especially when it manages to incorporate cultural references (90s kids in the audience will particularly appreciate a Pokemon sketch) and a sense of topicality. There is also a humorous touch of self-consciousness cleverly delivered through audible mutterings from the actors and deliberate awkwardness. This adds another layer to the production and means that it firmly establishes itself as a comedy with a distinct depth.
This is Shakespearian tragedy made youthful and vivacious. Rodney and Julie J wholly succeeds in bringing a startling originality to a play already approached from a thousand angles, plus making its audience cry with laughter.
