Romeo & Juliet

A pleasant evening in the fading sunshine set the scene for this classic Play in the beautiful surroundings of Cromford Mill Courtyard as people gathered with chairs, Drinks and pic nicks settling into an evening of entertainment from the Bard.

The stage set, simply with a plinth (which was used fantastically throughout the play to create different scenes) along with a sting of lights and flowers that gave effect to the play throughout.

Romeo and Juliet is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare that tells the story of two young lovers from rival families in Verona, Italy. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet meet at a party and instantly fall in love, despite the long-standing feud between their families. With the help of Friar Laurence, they marry in secret, hoping their union will bring peace.

However, events quickly take a tragic turn. Juliet’s cousin Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel. Romeo refuses to fight, but his friend Mercutio is killed by Tybalt. In anger, Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished from Verona. Meanwhile, Juliet’s parents arrange for her to marry Paris. Desperate to avoid the marriage, Juliet takes a sleeping potion provided by Friar Laurence, making her appear dead.

The friar sends a message to Romeo explaining the plan, but the message never reaches him. Believing Juliet is truly dead, Romeo returns to Verona, buys poison, and kills himself beside her tomb. When Juliet awakens and finds Romeo dead, she takes her own life with his dagger.

The deaths of Romeo and Juliet shock the Montague and Capulet families, ending their feud. The play explores themes of love, fate, conflict, and the destructive consequences of hatred and misunderstanding.

Great performances from the two star crossed lovers Sean Day (Romeo) and Tess Edmonds (Juliet) both with perfect diction and stage presence that clearly suited their classic roles. They were supported by a great cast including the comic but tender Nurse ( Juliets personal attendant ) played by Sally Shaw who delivered a touching but funny at times performance . 

Romeos close friends Mercutio and Benvolio excellently played by Will Holmes and Lilly Posnett with again, great clear diction and a great stage presence from both.

The support for the two lovers secretly from the endearing Friar Laurance expertly played by Lewis Hancock who brought tenderness, passion and understanding to the role with a great acting ability. Throughout the play the supporting cast were excellent not only for their individual performances, but their team work with costume changes and set changes perfectly timed throughout. It was very apparent that the cast and crew had worked hard on this production, which at times can be immersive into not only the mind but the language of Shakespear and they managed to tell the tale to a great standard. 

 Chatsworth Players are touring Venues around the Peak district until July 18th.

A lovely way to spend a summers evening as the sun went down over a true classic.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.