The outside of the Duke of York Theatre felt like a spectacle in itself, with hundreds of adoring Tom Holland fans snapping selfies and group pictures with the massive billboards. It's a rare sight to see a young Hollywood actor return to the stage at the peak of their on-screen career, but Tom Holland, known for his iconic on-screen portrayal of Spiderman, has taken that bold step.
As the audience settled into their seats, the theatre was assaulted with heavy drones and glitchy clicks - not too dissimilar to the soundscapes you'd find on a Nine Inch Nails or Code Orange record. Having witnessed Jamie Lloyd's critically acclaimed production of "The Effect" at the National Theatre the previous year, I wondered how he would match that forceful sound design. But as the theatre darkened, an ear-rattling roar echoed across the stage, accompanied by complete darkness, and then a blinding light. Throughout the performance, the intense sound and pulsating lights created a sense of impending doom and panic, a masterful touch that forced the viewer to pay the stage their undivided attention.
Along with the industrial soundtrack, the production used live-feed cameras to portray on-goings around the Duke of York. From the use of the drinks foyer for the Capulet's house party, or Romeo's rooftop cigarette dialogue with Benvolio - it was world-building in what would have otherwise been a claustrophobic, one-dimensional portrayal of Verona.
Holland is joined by the incredible Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, whose incredibly modern portrayal of Juliet was a beacon on the stage. Although the words she muttered were Shakespearean in nature, her acting, tonality, and body movements bridged the 500-year gap, resonating with today's youth culture. Among the supporting cast, Nurse (played by the recognizable Freema Agyeman from Doctor Who', Silent Witness', and Torchwood') provided much-needed comedic relief. Her Shakespearean wit felt refreshingly modern, elevating the production. Nima Taleghani's text editing remained faithful to Shakespeare's original, yet subtle changes engaged the youthful audience, bringing Romeo and Juliet into the year 2024. Whether it was the casual "Cuz" exchanged between Benvolio, Romeo, and Mercutio, or the adolescent-doused comedic delivery of Juliet's romantic yearnings, Jamie Lloyd's Romeo and Juliet struck a balance so perfect it deems hard to compare.
As the actors took their bows, an ear-deafening scream of adoration filled the room for Tom Holland, and again, upon leaving the Duke of York, hundreds of young adoring fans patiently waited for Spiderman himself to exit the building, with phones out, Tik-toks ready to be shot. While some might attribute the production's success to its A-list star, rest assured that this powerful portrayal of the greatest love story ever told stands on its own merits.