The stage lights illuminate a young woman in pseudo-historical dress as she launches into a familiar monologue. “Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo?” It is an impassioned performance, but one person isn’t impressed. Another young woman bursts onto the stage, proclaiming it, and the whole situation, to be “a load of wank.”
Most theatregoers will be familiar with Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, but Rosaline is less often given stage time. Juliet’s cousin and the original target of Romeo’s affections, she is only referenced in Shakespeare’s play.
In Tale Blazers Theatre Company’s Rosaline and Juliet, however, Rosaline is brought exuberantly to life and into the modern world. The show proves the value of having a friend on side, as the more worldly-wise Ros helps her cousin navigate the events of Shakespeare’s play and her burgeoning relationship with Ros’ own ex, Romeo. Following a run at the Edinburgh Fringe last summer, Tale Blazers are now bringing their modern reimagining of Shakespeare to the Lion & Unicorn Theatre as part of the Camden Fringe.
Writer-performers Lara Lawman (Ju) and Lily Roberts (Ros) have expanded the show from 20 minutes to 50 for the current run, but it remains fairly tight, tracking the events of the original play while adding a modern spin (and the benefit of Ros’s wisdom, much of which Ju chooses to ignore). The script is wickedly funny, blending Shakespeare lines and references seamlessly with modern slang.
The costumes, too, blend modern and historical elements, with corsets and puffy sleeves paired with combat boots and trainers. This helps to immerse the characters in the blended world which the writers have created. The set is simple but effective, a sofa in the middle of the stage being the focal point for most of the action. All of the scenes take place in Juliet’s bedroom, while events outside of the room are explained deftly and without overemphasis on exposition.
Both performers are talented and likeable, and they have great chemistry, excelling at the quick back-and-forth which makes up much of the script. Although this is a two-hander, references to other characters off-stage, complete with mocking impressions at times, makes the cast feel larger.
A delightfully irreverent take on Shakespeare with enough nods to the bard to appease his fans, Rosaline and Juliet is a must-see for anyone who enjoys strong female-led comedy.
Rosaline and Juliet runs at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre until 1st August. For more information and tickets, follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
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