With an electric immersive performance of Romeo & Juliet!
“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep”
This summer one of the greatest love stories of all time will explode onto the streets of Guildford. For three weeks, celebrating their 18th birthday, Guildford Shakespeare Company is closing the High Street every evening to bring to life the passion and excitement of Shakespeare’s epic star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. Throughout one of the UK’s most beautiful high streets, audiences will be immersed in Shakespeare’s gripping tale of love and sacrifice.
Featuring the iconic Guildhall balcony, historic Abbot’s Hospital, stylish Tunsgate Quarter and more, audiences will follow the action through Guildford as the story unfolds, ending in the stunning Castle Gardens. Putting the show on the High Street and using iconic local landmarks will bring an immediacy to this 400-year-old story. Site-responsive shows enable audiences to interact with their shared space in a completely new, accessible and exciting way.
In addition to the professional cast, GSC has created two ensembles to help bring to life the world of Verona. The Youth Ensemble, coming from local schools and GSC’s drama clubs will play the street gangs of the Capulets and Montagues. They are joined by GSC’s Saturday Drama Club and Drama Club for Young Carers. The Adult Ensemble will play the guests at the Capulet masked ball and have come from many different routes to the show.
Alongside the main production GSC are also creating a knife crime awareness programme. The company are visiting the schools who are part of the Youth Ensemble with special awareness workshops, whilst the GSC Saturdays drama group are creating a Forum Theatre event for public performance and discussion on 3rd July, with guest speakers in attendance.
The full cast will be announced in due course
Romeo & Juliet: Friday 21st June – Saturday 13th July 2024
Guildford Castle Gardens (and Town Centre), Castle Street, Guildford, GU1 3UW
Tickets: ROMEO & JULIET 2024