Robert Icke's new adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet' at the West End stars Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe as the star-crossed lovers, in a production that plays with time and fate. The set, designed by Hildegard Bechtler, features a clock display that counts down from Sunday morning to Wednesday evening, when the tragedy concludes. Icke uses this device to explore a daring question: what if the story could end differently?
The play opens not with the famous prologue, but with Juliet asleep in a white-sheeted bed, which becomes a central set piece. The first fight scene occurs around her, and it is revealed to be a dream when the Montagues and Capulets embrace. Contemporary costumes and reggae music evoke Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film. Romeo is introduced when Benvolio pulls back the covers, revealing Jupe in his boxers, delivering his lines with natural ease.
Icke introduces a time-bending twist with a flashing light and power surge, showing alternate realities where the lovers might never meet. Sink's Juliet, keeping her American accent, is portrayed as awkward and uncertain, with palpable chemistry with Jupe. Their first kiss is slow and sweet, and the balcony scene is a highlight of fumbling comedy and first love.
The production builds to a gut-punch as the wedding is juxtaposed with the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt. Romeo's 'I am banished' monologue is delivered beside Juliet, as a cover of 'I Don't Like Mondays' plays. The play runs at the Duke of York's Theatre until August 2024.
