It's the perfect way to experience Shakespeare – nestled on a picnic blanket with a bottle of wine under a new moon, with the music floating gently across the summer breeze. There is undoubtedly not one person in the crowd who doesn't know the story of Romeo and Juliet, and this production succeeds in finding its own flavour within the deeply familiar story. Artistic Director Glenn Elston has taken a relaxed and contemporary approach. The original script is kept intact for the most part, but they are not too precious about it – the Montagues slap each other round and call each other 'cuz'. There is a freedom and freshness to the performances, due in large part to the way the actors move, which is energetic and modern. Madeleine Field is impressive as Juliet, and Jamieson Caldwell's streetwise Romeo is great. After Romeo has slain Tybalt, he is so distraught that he forgets his shirt in the next scene, displaying a distracting six-pack that leaves poor Juliet swooning. Scott Jackson plays Mercutio with a frenetic energy that is charming, and his blokey rapport with Romeo and Benvolio is one of the most endearing aspects of the play. Although if you are a Shakespeare purist you might not approve of his drunken flirtations. “I love you! Call me! Text me! Nah, just add me on Facebook!” he appeals as he is dragged offstage.
Royal Botanic Gardens to Saturday 9 March
