Romeo & Juliet at Royal Opera House

Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet celebrates its 60^th anniversary with a production that remains as timeless as ever, staying largely faithful to its 1965 debut while continuing to command the stage with profound dramatic force. Its enduring appeal lies not only in Shakespeare’s iconic tale of star-crossed lovers – a theme that never tires, whether on screen, stage or in dance – but also in MacMillan’s choreographic genius, which transcends traditional ballet conventions to capture strikingly realistic physicality and emotion.

Every aspect of the production, from the emotionally stirring “pas de deux” of the young lovers to the dynamic performances of the corps de ballet, radiates authenticity; you believe them to be the very townsfolk and nobility of Renaissance Verona. MacMillan’s brilliance in translating Shakespeare’s layered storytelling into the language of ballet feels unmatched. The characters do more than dance; they fight, laugh, mock, peer and provoke, pulling you directly into a world where you are a firsthand witness to both hatred and tenderness. This vivid tableau is dramatically enhanced by Nicholas Georgiadis’s remarkable set designs. His meticulous attention to detail brings to life a Verona that is both sombre and bustling, capturing everything from its majestic facades and public squares to its grand palaces with their austere bedrooms and solemn mausoleums. The costumes stand out as another highlight. Dressed in dusty hues of orange, yellow and red, the dancers swirl across the stage, their silky capes flowing with elegant grace.

Anna O’Sullivan and Reece Clark take on the roles of Juliet and Romeo, forming a captivating duo brimming with youthful exuberance, cheeky charm and palpable chemistry. O’Sullivan is a delightful Juliet, transitioning from a naive young girl playfully waving a puppet and hiding behind her nurse to a defiant adolescent grappling with loss and passion, much to the audience’s amusement as she sulks beneath her bedcovers. Her technique is marked by remarkable precision, with each movement richly imbued with meaning. Reece Clark portrays a tender Romeo, hesitant to join his peers in conflict, preferring instead to daydream. Their balcony “pas de deux” stands out as a definitive highlight of the ballet. Initially shy, the couple gradually comes together, swept up in the thrill of their burgeoning love. There are so many moments of delicate intimacy: Romeo caresses the hem of Juliet’s nightgown and kneels with welcoming arms while Juliet rushes toward him, their movements culminating in a passionate kiss. Afterward, Juliet withdraws to her balcony, and the two lovers reach out to each other, their hands almost touching across the divide. This iconic sequence is flawlessly executed.

Supporting roles are equally compelling in this production. Francisco Serrano’s Mercutio and Teo Dubreuil’s Benvolio infuse the ensemble with robust charm, and together with Romeo, they create a trio that radiates a tangible camaraderie. Gary Avis delivers a forceful performance as Tybalt, portraying a man driven more by frustration than outright aggression. The trio of Harlots (Nadia Mullova-Barley, Mica Bradbury and Letician Dias) add delightful humour and flair to the marketplace scenes. Aiden O’Brien’s portrayal of a dignified yet resolute Paris is a standout, as is the sequence featuring the commedia dell’arte-inspired mandolin dancers (Taisuke Nakao, Liam Boswell, Daichi Ikarashi, Joshua Junker, Harrison Lee, and Giacomo Rovero) who leap and swirl in perfect sync with live mandolin music performed from a side box.

With Romeo and Juliet running until 26^th May, and various cast changes on the horizon, London audiences can rediscover this classic time and again. This particular cast is superb, but regardless of the performers you see bringing this enduring and profoundly moving tragedy to life, it’s unlikely you’ll leave disappointed.

Constance Ayrton
Photos: Alice Pennefather

Romeo & Juliet is at Royal Opera House from 4^th March until 26^th May 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.