A young man and woman are lying down on the ground with one hand each touching the back of the other person's head. They are each wearing one headphone which is connected.
A young man and woman are lying down on the ground with one hand each touching the back of the other person's head. They are each wearing one headphone which is connected.

Romeo and Juliet

A Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic co-production –

About Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare and Rap. A love story.

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, 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 is a co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from our communities. The music elements reflect a collaboration with new company, That’s a Rap. And we’ve worked with local young people who have been taken out of mainstream education, on the production.

Together, we’ve created something unique. A Shakespearean lyrical love story – for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation.

Artwork by Feast Creative.

Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.

Image gallery

The show in action

Kyle Ndukuba as Romeo and Mia Khan as Juliet stand arm in arm at the ball lit in a bright pink light.
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
The full Company of Romeo and Juliet are stood on stage at the start of the show, wearing hoods and cloaks and depicting a city in ruins.
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
Kyle Ndukuba as Romeo stands with arms by his side looking thoughtful. Behind him the words read "My poverty not my will consents"
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
Mia Khan as Juliet is kneeling on a bed performing out to the audience, whilst Samuel Gosrani as Tybalt plays the guitar next to her.
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
Ellena Vincent as Montague, Pete Ashmore as Prince Escalus, Asheq Akhtar as Lord Capulet walk forward on stage whilst two large panels display as if shattered glass.
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
Dillon Scott Lewis as Mercutio and Kyle Ndukuba as Romeo are stood opposite Sam Gosrani as Tybalt. They are engaged in movement depicting a fight scene.
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
Kyle Ndukuba as Romeo stands over the body of Mia Khan as Juliet as she lies in the tomb, appearing to be dead.
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
The Romeo and Juliet Company are stood on stage with Andre Antonio as Benvolio stood at the front with his arms outstretched.
Romeo and Juliet Credit: Nicola Young Photography
5 Stars

"Redefines modern theatre"

ChoppaNews

5 Stars

"A love song to Romeo and Juliet"

Midlands Arts Magazine

4 Stars

"Boundary-pushing, visually impactful, a thought-provoking treat"

Warwickshire What's On

Contact list of staff members

  • Kyle Ndukuba

    Role
    Romeo

  • Mia Khan

    Role
    Juliet

  • Samuel Gosrani

    Role
    Tybalt

  • Dillon Scott-Lewis

    Role
    Mercutio

  • Natasha Lewis

    Role
    Nurse

  • Ellena Vincent

    Role
    Montague

  • Asheq Akhtar

    Role
    Lord Capulet

  • Ayesha Patel

    Role
    Rosalind

  • Andre Antonio

    Role
    Benvolio

  • Pete Ashmore

    Role
    Prince Escalus

  • Elwyn Williams

    Role
    Paris

  • Yasmin Wilde

    Role
    Friar Laurence

  • Lauren Moakes

    Role
    Lady Capulet

  • Corey Campbell

    Role
    Director

  • That’s A Rap (Keiren Hamilton-Amos and Corey Weekes)

    Role
    Lyricists

  • A Class

    Role
    Music

  • Simon Kenny

    Role
    Set and Costume Designer

  • Chris Swain

    Role
    Lighting Designer

  • Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster

    Role
    Choreographer and Co-Movement Director

  • Simon Ratcliffe

    Role
    Vocal Coach

  • Reisz Amos

    Role
    Vocal Arranger and Community Choir Leader

  • Polly Jerrold

    Role
    Casting Director

  • RC Annie (Rachel Bown Williams)

    Role
    Fight Director

  • Barret Hodgson

    Role
    Video Designer

  • Jay Zorenti-Nakhid

    Role
    Associate Director

  • Corah Fowles

    Role
    Community Choir Mentor

  • Yannick van den Bosse

    Role
    Community Choir Mentor

  • Jasraj Sahota

    Role
    Creative Associate (Sound)

  • Jodi Rabinowitz

    Role
    Creative Associate (LX)

  • Kritika Agarwal

    Role
    Creative Associate (Design)

Dates and times

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