Romeo and Juliet: A bold new production

A bold and innovative production of Romeo and Juliet opened at Belgrade Theatre last night. Directed by Corey Campbell and starring Mia Khan and Kyle Ndukuba, Shakespeare’s timeless love story is given new life as it combines the original verse with rap and R&B music.

I’ve been working with Corey Campbell and digital producer Simone Herbert over the last few months to design and create video, motion graphics and animation which will accompany some of the musical performances. The artists, musicians and choir will (hopefully!) be elevated by the visuals which compliment the grit and power of the music and lyrics by A Class and That’s a Rap.

Belgrade Theatre describes the show as “The original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.

Some aspects of this new, innovative co-production of Romeo and Juliet aren’t new at all.

Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well-loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.

This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, largely unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.

Our story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.”

Romeo and Juliet runs from 21 February to 8 March 2025 before moving to the Bristol Old Vic from 12 March to 5 April, followed by performances at Hackney Empire from 23 to 26 April. Don’t miss it!