Romeo and Juliet

This was the first full-length production of Shakespeare at King's for some while, and what an outstanding success they made of it. With a beautifully designed set dappled in Tuscan earth colours, and tasteful subtle lighting, we were immediately transported into this world of both conflict and love.

At the heart of the production though of course were two central performances of immense stature. Tom Halliday's Romeo was no strutting peacock in search of conquest, rather a thoughtful, slightly troubled young man. This complemented perfectly Danielle Taylor's Juliet, full of the innocence and charm of youth. Their scenes together ached with tenderness and longing.

And they were supported by many other performances that impressed greatly, none more so than Charis Elphinstone's Nurse. She has an intelligent and powerful stage presence that lights every scene she is in. Mel Palmer showed great depth and subtlety as Lady Capulet, matched by husband Ronan Handcock, full of energy and drive. Murray Grindon too cut an impressive figure as the well-meaning Friar Laurence.

Tybalt, played by Callum Brown, had a youthful intensity and passion, as did Harvey Morris' Mercutio, while Freddie Barker as Benvolio and Henry Walker as Gregory made hugely impressive debuts on the King's stage.

Great credit goes to Emma Butler, Katie Butler and Georgia Kerr for all their work behind the scenes, John Fisher for his lighting and set, and Maggie Vile, Judy Shaw, Leilani Chan and Rebecca Nutt for their beautifully judged costumes. But mostly of course to director Elle Barrs for conceiving and making happen this triumph of an evening.

Shakespearean verse presents a challenge for any company of actors, but even more so for a company of this youth. Yet it was handled effortlessly, with no huge show of histrionics, or display of declamatory melodrama. Rather it occurred with a natural, almost conversational ease. And this in many ways set the tone for the whole production. It was beautifully understated; calm, measured, intensely atmospheric at times, but also full of the essential innocence that lies at the heart of this play. It was a production of great honesty and integrity, and will have left a mark on all who saw it.