A star rating of 4 out of 5.
Sadie Sink makes a stunning West End debut in a heartbreaking and powerful performance of Romeo & Juliet, brought to life through Robert Icke’s adaptation and returning to the London stage.
This classic tale of love and loss is set in a dreamlike world, blending elements of the 1590s and today. The simple set, costumes, and staging create a unique, ethereal atmosphere, almost as if the story exists outside of time.
The show evokes a similar feeling to the Black Mirror episode “Hang the DJ,” with a large digital clock constantly appearing on screen to emphasize that the characters’ time is running out.
The play also features a unique storytelling technique: key scenes are replayed to show how things might have turned out differently. For example, we see what would have happened if Tybalt had interrupted Romeo at the party, or if the Nurse hadn’t delivered Juliet’s message, or if the Friar’s letters had arrived on time. These alternate scenarios emphasize just how much fate played a role in Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story.
The show builds a genuinely unsettling mood and offers a refreshing change from the many action-packed versions we’ve seen lately. However, this atmosphere was sometimes broken by a strange song choice that only the show’s creators seemed to appreciate.
Traditionally, audiences have always known the tragic ending of this love story, accepting it as inevitable. However, this production is different – for the first time, it sparked a genuine feeling that things might actually turn out differently, offering a surprising sense of hope.
Despite the production feeling strangely artificial overall, the actors deliver remarkably natural performances. Sadie Sink is a charming and relatable Juliet, perfectly capturing the awkwardness of being a teenager. She’s full of energy in the first act – grunting, laughing, and moving impulsively – and then convincingly transforms that energy into a disturbing obsession in the second. Robert Icke deserves credit for remembering that these characters are naive teenagers, unaware of the harsh realities of the world.
Noah Jupe is just as captivating. He plays Romeo with a playful smile and a youthful energy that shines through when he speaks to the audience. He makes even Romeo’s less successful moments – like his infatuation with Rosaline – feel charming, constantly reminding us how young and inexperienced the character is.
Both actors should be aware of the powerful performance by Clare Perkins, who plays the Nurse. Often, the Nurse is treated as simply a messenger or a way to highlight Juliet’s feelings, and is either ignored or played for laughs. But Perkins delivers a captivating performance, seamlessly blending sharp wit with genuine emotion. She brings the character’s rich history and deeply maternal bond with Juliet to life, and truly deserves the audience’s attention and appreciation.
Clark Gregg, Eden Epstein, and Dylan Corbett-Bader deliver especially compelling and nuanced performances, making the famous feud between the Capulets and Montagues feel realistic and avoiding overly theatrical acting.
As a reviewer, I always appreciate when a classic story feels fresh, and this production absolutely delivers. It’s a tale everyone knows, but somehow, after over 430 years, it still managed to surprise me – and I think that’s because they really went the extra mile to make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It truly broadened the appeal, and I think that’s something we can all appreciate.
How to get tickets to see Romeo & Juliet
I just grabbed my tickets – you can get yours through ATG Tickets or LOVETheatre. If you’re planning to see it, you’ve got until June 20th, as it’s playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre, which is super conveniently located just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus.
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2026-04-01 15:04