Romeo and Juliet to go to the Edinburgh Fringe 2010 from the 15-21 August after sold-out runs at Greenwich Theatre and Riverside Studios in 2009. 
This is a startling interpretation of Shakespeare’s most famous play, full of energy & wit that manages to seamlessly interweave Shakespeare's tragic love story with a powerful depiction of modern youth, gangs and knife crime. “A fast moving, physical production from one of the most talented school companies in the country”. James Haddrell, Director Greenwich Theatre.

The first time that Greenwich Theatre invited Kidbrooke to be part of their main programme, it led to 2007’s world premiere staging of Ali Smith’s Hotel World, earning the company good audiences, national press coverage and the Fringe Report award for Best Play at the Edinburgh Fringe. Impressed once again by the quality of Kidbrooke’s Drama department the theatre invited Kidbrooke to perform Romeo and Juliet. 

This is Shakespeare's most famous play with a modern setting to reflect our times. This was no ordinary production, exciting, physical, fast moving, witty, involving modern music references and multi-media. The Kidbrooke production of Romeo and Juliet dealt with loss of life in a contemporary and original style relevant to young people today.  Despite the serious and tragic side of the play, the production included, in renowned Kidbrooke style, dance, comedy, physical theatre and absolute ownership from the young cast.  The knife-crime and gang violence have presented many discussions for schools groups and the cast alike.  A teacher from a school in Greenwich said;

‘it was one of the best performances I have seen in a long long time. It was filled with passion, fun, adrenaline, and pure talent. It was totally relevant to today's society and I wish that every teenager in this country could sit down to watch that performance to gain some perspective on life’.

The proceeds from one of the evening performances at Greenwich Theatre was in aid of the Damilola Taylor Trust.  Members of the Taylor family came to support the production with other families who have sadly been victims of knife crime.  The evening was very emotional and moving.  Speaking at the gala night, Richard Taylor said that the borough of Greenwich could be in line for youth work cash.  Accepting £3,907 raised by the evening, Mr Taylor said he wants the trust to stretch its youth work into Woolwich, Plumstead and Thamesmead. "Our focus is on finding a workable strategy to prevent knife and gun crime."

He said: "I hope by the time we are finished we will have some peace in those areas."

The move for more youth work to combat stabbings and murders in south London came within weeks of Trust Thamesmead receiving £5million for a new youth centre

Visit www.damilolataylortrust.com for more information.

Please visit the It doesn't have to happen website

Crime Stoppers - Knife Crime

Workshops delivered by cast for primary and secondary schools

The run included two free matinee performances for primary and secondary schools in Greenwich and beyond.  Quality theatre for hundreds of children in London made by children that reflect themes prevalent in today’s society has been at the core of the company’s work.  The cast also learnt to deliver and devise a workshop to students in Yr 6 and Yr 9 in other schools in Greenwich to reflect the themes and enable younger students to explore theatre making. The teachers of the schools the cast visited were so impressed by the confidence and maturity of the students’ delivery and their own students’ engagement.  The primary and secondary schools then came to the performance with an appreciation of the style of theatre used. 

“The Workshop for other schools was a wicked experience. Watching kids enjoy and have fun with what you taught them makes you want to do it all day”. Cast member Yr 11

“The children responded in a very positive way.  I thought it would be much harder than it was, but the children were cooperative which made the experience more enjoyable.  Cast member”. Yr 9

“I was amazed the students had such strong ideas, they had a very good approach, and it was a great experience”. Cast member Yr 11

The cast of 17 from Yr8-post 16 include young people who performed for the first time alongside those who have already proven themselves as outstanding in drama both within the school and beyond. Several of the cast have already performed with the school on West End stages at least once, in some cases more. Two were also chosen to perform as members of the National Youth Theatre.  Kidbrooke Staff have been so impressed by the energy, dedication and talent of our students and to Lucy Cuthbertson for her drive and commitment to students achieving professional theatre.  We received many emails from the audience who were stunned at the professionalism and quality of acting.

‘The acting was excellent and all aspects of the production were of the highest standard........it was all an excellent reflection on your school’.
Member of the public.

“The production was outstanding, creative and energetic. One of the most stunning  interpretations of Shakepeare I have seen." (Member of the public)

"It was by far the best thing we'd seen produced by a school and beat lots of professional productions hands down. It was absolutely amazing." Head of English/AST Eltham Hill

"That was the best and most moving school performance I have ever seen" Prof Kathy Riley, Institute of Education

What did the students think?

“I really think the play was outstanding and the acting was very professional, I give it 9 and ¾ out of 10” Yr 7 Thomas Tallis student. 

“It is a magical play that takes you on an adventure”.  Yr 9 student Kidbrooke School

“They told the story in a modern way, the music added atmosphere; we really appreciate you inviting us to watch your magnificent performance".  Yr 6 Charlton Manor School. 

Reviews

Bexley Times

South London Press

Greenwich Times

Dialogue Review

London Drama

Romeo and Juliet Greenwich Theatre production images

Romeo and Juliet rehearsal images

Romeo and Juliet workshops

Message against knife crime