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Romeo & Juliet Review Roundup

Photo of an actor on their knees with their arms spread wide and mouth open. In the background, a further twelve colourfully dressed actors look on, scattered around an urban street.

Romeo & Juliet is our first ‘Made by Exeter Northcott’ production of 2025. Following the 5-star hit The Commotion Time, our Creative Director Martin Berry once again brings together a brilliant professional cast and creative team, this time putting Shakespeare’s drama, original language and contemporary themes back on the Northcott stage.

Read on to hear from critics and audiences about our take on Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love and tragedy.

★★★★★ London Theatre 1

“A fascinating portrayal of young love and family feuding, presented in a way that did not require any prior knowledge of the play to understand… An accessible, highly engaging and wonderfully perceptive show.”

★★★★ Radio Exe

“A fresh take on a timeless classic… an unmissable show! Funny. Awe-inspiring. Does not disappoint.”

★★★★ Beyond the Curtain

“The cast was fantastic — every performer was incredibly talented and delivered a strong, engaging performance… The ensemble added a lot to the atmosphere and helped bring the story to life in a really powerful way…

Photo of two actors kissing. One is wearing a muted Hawaiian shirt and golden angel wings, and the other a white tasselled crop top and a matching cowboy hat resting against her back.
Photo by Jack Offord
Photo of two performers fighting. One of them, grimacing and dressed all in black, is kicking the other in the pelvis. The second actor, dressed in camo trousers and a khaki vest, grips a knife.
Photo by Jack Offord

“The show offers something for everyone. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare or looking to experience something unique while supporting the local theatre, I highly recommend checking it out.”

Pink Prince Theatre ★★★★

“This show is a creative masterpiece, with the set design by Fi Russell being the stand out star of the production… Martin Berry’s direction wonderfully filled the stage and demonstrated a complete understanding of the work…

“The sound design by Robin Colyer worked incredibly well. Using music from artists such as The Prodigy or Florence + the Machine was unexpected, but really elevated the emotion within the scenes. Marcus Bartlett’s lighting design was pitched perfectly and did exactly what it intended to do. The choreography from Maria Tarokh was enjoyable whilst Maisie Carter as fight director seemed to sprinkle magic into the piece.”

Muddy Stilettos

“It’s a modern, funky, fierce, fast-paced and lively production that brings the play bang up-to-date in a funny and utterly engaging way. The tiniest of changes to the original play impact on it not a jot…

“If this is a sign of things to come under the new directorial team at the Northcott then we’re in for exciting times.”

The PRSD

“Izzie Harding-Perrott’s Romeo is perfectly love-swooned, sizzling between silly and serious… If the ending (spoiler alert) doesn’t put a lump in your throat, the talent will.”

Romeo & Juliet is pumped with music and packed with fun. It’s vibrant, alive and urgent.”

Photo of a theatre set with dim lighting. Romeo is reaching up to clasp hands with Juliet, who is leaning out of a window in a council house and smiling, wearing white with headphones around her neck.
Photo by Jack Offord
Photo of an actor in a black t-shirt with a black baseball cap (worn backwards) and a silver chain standing with arms crossed in front of colourful graffiti and a string of warm lightbulbs.
Photo by Jack Offord

Mad About Devon

“Powerful and captivating… Funny and moving in equal measure.”

Flip-Flops or Wellies

“A brilliant show — a modern setting with the words totally brought to life by a young cast. If you ever felt you don’t understand Shakespeare or thought it’s not for you, then this is the version to try… Completely brilliant. Modern. Feisty. Fantastic talent. Go if you can.”

Audience Reviews

“The entire cast were great. Juliet especially was a revelation. She drew me in completely.”

“Easily the best version of the balcony scene that I have seen.”

“The perfect blend of humour and tragedy. Shakespeare with a modern twist done to PERFECTION.”

“Fast-paced and full of emotion! Great acting! Amazing set!”

“I absolutely fell in love with design, from the set to the lighting and sound. It was all just amazing! The acting was superb as well, just the right style for Shakespeare!”

“Vibrant, fresh, energetic and funny but equally moving. The young cast delivered some stellar performances. It would be worth seeing again.”

“What a wonderful production by Martin Berry and his young troupe of talented actors. They brought originality and fresh meaning to a well-loved play whilst keeping the spirit of the Bard.”

“I was on the edge of my seat, laughing, singing — it was so good!”

Romeo & Juliet is running at the Northcott Theatre until Sat 12 Jul.

Our next Made by Exeter Northcott production is Exe Men (7 – 18 Oct), closely followed by Jack and the Beanstalk (27 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026) and The Jolly Christmas Postman (16 – 28 Dec).

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