There is beauty in Shakespeare’s words and there is beauty in the signing of them

A play within a play is always an interesting concept and Shakespeare North Playhouse and Graeae Theatre Company have created a completely new take with this approach to Romeo and Juliet, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth.

This is an inclusive production of the young lovers from rival families and their first love that ends in tragedy. The new telling of the Shakespeare tale opens in the waiting room for an audition. The auditioning actors are a little spooked by the holding room they meet in. Every word spoken is captured on the screens within the set, and the script for Romeo and Juliet drops from above.

Whilst they wait for their call, they present their own version of Romeo and Juliet. This provides an opportunity for the actors waiting for non-leading roles with a real chance to show what they have to offer – and it is brilliant.

The actors are celebrating their differences.

Using British Sign Language, captions and audio description to share the work, all forms of communication are an integral part of their production – not an add-on at the side of the stage. The duelling up of roles, with two Romeos and two Juliets, two Lady Montagues, and two Prince of Veronas works, as does the blending of the signing and vocal telling of the tale.

There is beauty in Shakespeare’s words and there is beauty in the signing of them.

Everyone has their own, unique style, ‘accent’ in their signing. The signing and audio description draw you into the text, more than any other performance I have ever seen. The physical speech, alongside the verbal and captions, is a great way to see Shakespeare.

The intensity of Romeo and Juliet’s love against all odds is matched by the passion of the players. You never miss a word, let alone a line of the script. It could be intensive to have the words of the Bard coming at you from every angle – visual and audio. However, this production enhances the original play.

This is a joyous production, as the auditioning actors add to the interpretation of the play.

The cast of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent performers awaiting the audition show their ability to take the leading roles and step out of the sidelines and into centre stage. We are all different, but those differences should not divide us like the Montagues and the Capulets but bring us together in love and appreciation of each other, like Romeo and Juliet.

This production is challenging preconceptions and is engaging. It is a beautiful piece to watch. This production of Romeo and Juliet shows how inclusivity enhances the telling of a tale. And it opens up the opportunity for all to enjoy the theatre.

Romeo and Juliet runs at Theatre by the Lake until Saturday, October 26.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.theatrebythelake.com