Heart Productions
...theatre with a beat!
Romeo & Juliet for all Time Where Lovers' despairs to Angels' cares are turned
Written by Frank Bramwell
The success of Time after Time led to Frank writing another new play, this time based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. In fact, his play starts where the original finishes, and ends where the other starts!
The most famous lovers in history pick up where they thought they’d left off – literally. Reunited, with the help of their very (very) ‘ghostly father’ Friar Laurence, they are given one ‘borrowed’ hour. One small hour to put right the mistakes of their earlier life – or face oblivion. Can they, with Friar Laurence’s magic, save themselves this time round?
What follows is fascinating. Away from the tragic events of Verona, Romeo & Juliet at last have a chance to really get to know each other, to fully explore their love. The question - "Will they find true love and happiness a second time round" - is what this play is all about.
For lovers of the original tragedy, this is a unique chance to revisit the play, from a completely different angle. The words of Shakespeare are heard throughout, as the twosome are forced to relive scenes from their earlier ‘lives’, over and over again. In doing so the original themes and feelings are brought into sharp focus. A wonderful, touching drama for all – and a veritable feast for people who love their Shakespeare.
“… an outstanding show.”
The play had its debut in July 2004 at the Buxton Festival Fringe, where it was nominated for ‘Best writing’ award. From there it travelled to Birmingham, and then onto the Edinburgh Fringe. There it received two 4-Star Reviews – and the Hairline Highlight Award, awarded to the top ten plays that ‘stood head and shoulders’ above other plays.
Critical reactions were again very good:
EDINBURGH: Hairline
“The playwright, Frank Bramwell, has struck on a very clever idea and created an intelligently written play which luckily never slips into an English Literature style discussion.”
“The small cast is excellent, with Matt Robinson (Romeo) and Polly Lister (Juliet) turning in particularly passionate, believable performances.”
“So, forget Shakespeare’s version, put your thinking cap on and prepare to be re-educated!”
Grading: 4 out of 5:
Winner of a Hairline Highlight award (given to the top plays that are head and shoulders above others reviewers have seen)
EDINBURGH: Three weeks
“This innovative and original play from Heart Productions brings together talented actors with an artful script in Shakespearean language.”
“An amusing and moving performance …”
Grading: 4 out of 5
BUXTON: Fringe Review
“At every turn though, we were captivated by the convincing passion and sheer physicality of Lister and Robinson.
“But we had a lot of fun on the way … a fascinating tangent ... another hour of life …see if you can manage to right the wrongs."
“… new interpretations brought about solely by inflection, body language and superb acting from Polly Lister and Matt Robinson. Some of these contained hilarious moments…”
“I don't think I've ever seen such raw energy and physical commitment in a Fringe performance…”
“The audience loved them ? and showed it enthusiastically at the close.”
“This was a complex and very clever … new look at the play. Take your sharpest wits with you, and listen carefully, but also be prepared to be carried along by the pace, skill and style of the presentation.”
Nominated for the ‘Best Writing’ award
Reviews
Feedback from audiences at the three Fringes echoed the Reviewers:
KH Edinburgh
WW Birmingham
JQ Edinburgh
RF Birmingham
Download a copy of the Review and Feedback Quotes
Performances
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Direction - Victoria Grainger
Writing - Frank Bramwell
Music & Sound Track - Mark Taylor
Sound & Light Design- Victoria Grainger
Technical Assistance - Marcus Fernando & Tina Hoffman
Publicity - Michael McConville
Publicity Assistant - Sue Smith
THE CAST
Juliet - Polly Lister
Romeo - Matt Robinson
Friar Laurence, Tybalt & Paris - Lloyd Lee