Cultural Highlights: Romeo & Juliet

William Shakespeare’s classic tale of star crossed lovers is brought bang up to date in Leeds this March, as West Yorkshire Playhouse stages a fresh and vibrant new production. 

Set in contemporary urban Verona, the story follows two teenage sweethearts as they struggle to let their love blossom amidst the hostility of a brutal, long-standing feud between their two families. This tale of intergenerational conflict, social unrest and divided communities finds new resonance in its present-day setting, at a time when love can still be dwarfed by hate – and, even more pertinently, as the UK navigates its exit from the European Union.

Directed by Amy Leach (Kes, The Night Before Christmas), Romeo & Juliet is the Playhouse’s first major production of 2017 and stars Dan Parr and Tessa Parr in the titular roles, while Lady Capulet is played by TV star Natalie Anderson, best known for her role as Alicia in Emmerdale and in Wicked on the West End.

Romeo & Juliet, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, 3-25 Mar, times vary, £13.50-£30 (a transaction fee of £1.95 will be applied to all phone and internet bookings)

wyp.org.uk/events/romeo-juliet