Nottingham Playhouse announces a contemporary take on Romeo & Juliet in a co-production with English Touring Theatre, Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and Leeds Playhouse.
The co-production is directed by Chelsea Walker (A Streetcar Named Desire and Cougar for ETT; The Davinci Code, Salisbury Playhouse and Mercury Theatre Colchester), winner of the Sir Peter Hall Director Award in 2017.
Chelsea Walker commented:
“I am thrilled to join forces with ETT, Nottingham Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Leeds Playhouse to direct Romeo & Juliet. It’s a play I’ve always wanted to direct, and it feels more urgent and moving now than ever before, in a world where decisions are made in the blink of an eye and people are forced to grow up younger and younger. I can’t wait to bring our visceral, contemporary take to audiences across the UK.”
Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse, Adam Penford, said:
“We’re excited to work with English Touring Theatre on this new adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. The play is one of Shakespeare’s most performed because it’s timeless and universal. Its themes speak both to young people and older generations. We look forward to Chelsea’s exciting contemporary vision coming to life.”
A pair of teenagers fall madly in love while their families violently tear each other apart. An explosive, urgent tale of forbidden love, secrets, loyalty and grief, where one wrong decision can change everything.
What do you do when your fate is already sealed, but you’re falling in love for the very first time? A love that refuses to stay in the past, enduring, unending and unbroken.
These violent delights have violent ends.
The production opens in Edinburgh early next year, before embarking on a tour to Leeds Playhouse, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and concluding its run on 8 May 2027 at Nottingham Playhouse.
Listings
Nottingham Playhouse, English Touring Theatre, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Leeds Playhouse present:
ROMEO & JULIET
By William Shakespeare
Nottingham Playhouse
Wellington Circus
Tue 20 April – Sat 8 May 2027
Posted on 16 June 2026
