GlobeLink - Globe Education's Online Resource Centre

By Schmitter, Annette on August 19, 2008

By Annette and Sabine Schmitter on August 19, 2008
We saw the Romeo and Juliet performance on august 14, 2008 in The Globe Theatre Neuss (Germany).
It was really amazing, a perfect casting. We enjoyed it from the beginning to the end and we hope to see the London Globe Touring Company next year again in Neuss.
Thank you for this performance.

By izzie on August 18, 2008

I was priviledged to see the afternoon performance at the Globe in Neuss, Germany (cant wait to read Perricles article on that). In spite of being an English major at University I hadnt been able to ever watch a Shakespeare play on stage before.
Romeo & Juliet, my favourite ever since I had to read it at school, in Germany's wannabe globe, with London Globe actors, I had to spend my last pennies on, careless of the 3-hour-ride. And it was sure worth it.
Even though Im not a fan of modern productions and had to get used to the 8-people-cast (that switched back and forth from one part to another), the very minimalistic use of props and costumes, I was stunned by the talent of the young performers. Unfortunately, the little bus could not be used as it is supposed to, due to the size of the German Globe - Id love to see an open-air session! That is a little minus in my opinion, it was still used as a entrance/exit-device, but its (post-)modern symbolism got miscarried somehow, or rather put in the background.
As I had to share the balcony with lots of young high school students I was able to observe something very peculiar. As these adolecents are all victims of puberty and massive hormonal imbalances, it is quite hard to capture their attention. But they were captured, they were stunned, and speechless. Especially by the inredibly authentic and passionate Romeo who managed to take their breath -and speech- away. I cant recall anybody not returning to their seat after the intermission in favor of a smoke outside with their fellows. That is accomplishment, I daresay!
I congratulate on a fresh show and a very talented cast. To Alan Morrissey, in particular, who tamed the shrews ;)

By Kathleen Schroers on August 16, 2008

I found the performance of Romeo and Juliet in The Globe Theatre Neuss disappointing. The production was obviously designed for open-air, wide distances to the audience, and didn’t translate well into the small and intimate atmosphere of the theatre in Neuss. The text was generalised and delivered all on the same level at the same pace, with no recognisable rhythm. The actors rattled their lines, and seemed afraid to trust the text. The most glaring example of this was Mercutio’s Queen Mab monologue, which was rattled at break-neck speed accompanied by a good deal of jumping about and wild gesticulation. The actor was obviously hoping no one would notice that he had this hideously long monologue to deliver and hadn’t a clue as to the content. He painted no pictures for the audience. This was symptomatic of much of the playing. Conrad Westmaas playing Capulet/ Friar Laurence was a good, strong actor, but there was almost no difference in his delivery for the two widely different characters. The only actor who strongly resisted the “rattle trap” was Perri Snowdon, playing Tybalt and Paris with great clarity and diversity, while never dropping the pace. So it could have been done had the other actors (director) trusted the text rather than treating it as something to get through as quickly as possible while pantomiming the action. Thus the emotional sweep was never achieved, the humour wasn’t very funny, the tragedy not very poignant. None of it was given the necessary beat to land.
Nonetheless there is some first-rate theatrical inventiveness in the production. Starting with the wonderful VW camper and continuing with the convention of whoever wasn’t in the scene donning hat and apron to portray “Peter”, the gradual change from very modern costume to Elizabethan and so on, the production was visually a treat. The actors all looked and sounded very good and talented. And they certainly had energy! But they only gave us the bare bones, not the depth of the play. It’s too good a play for that.

By Jenny on August 15, 2008

I'm from Germany and I saw the show at the Shakespeare Festival in Neuss on the 13th of August. I really enjoyed the show although it was hard for me to understand the traditional english. I had to go to the production because I'll write my final examination about romeo& juliet next year. But for me it was not a force to watch the show beacuse it was a quite modern interpretation and funny as well. Although I was quite sad that the balcony scene somehow flew past me because juliet spoke quite fast and with little emphasism I enjoyed myself.
!A big applaus to the whole touring team:)! And to Alan Morrissey as Romeo who is the best romeo I have ever seen in a theatre prdouction on romeo and Juliet.

But as it was quite late that night and I couldn't stay longer to talk to the actors because I had to go to shcool the next day I still have some questions to the actors.
Now I'd like to know if there's any kind of public E-mail in order to write to them and ask them the questions that I have.
It would be awesome if this was possible.
Thank You.

By Eva on August 14, 2008

I saw the performance in Neuss, Germany, last night and was enchanted. Very talented actors with so much spirit and energy and love for Shakespeare. Bull and Morrissey had exactly the innocence needed for the parts of the young lovers. Praise for Snowdon's pompous Paris! Hope to see them again next year.

By Francesca on August 8, 2008

I saw the show on its first night in Malta. It was amazing! I have never seen Shakespeare performed with such realism. The whole concept was very clever and the actors kept up their energy the whole way through! They were also very nice when I spoke to them afterwards. Being a drama student myself now it is nice to see what can be done with Shakespeare to make it new and interesting without having to change the plot in any way! thank you!

By Genie Powers on July 23, 2008

I saw the production at Fulham Palace in London and then again at Avington House in Winchester. I loved every second each time! I loved the cast running through the audience and including one or two of us 'ladies'... (I had to save my strawberries from a being trampled by Romeo!), I love the story and catching the eye of one or two of the cast, Paris' singing, Romeo's passion, Mercutio's sauciness! Even my granny was a bit taken... ;-)

The set was so understated but set against the beautiful backdrops was just fantastic! The only thing I'd change is the bloody planes at Fulham Palace but you even handled that well!

Well Done and can't wait to see you in your next production....!
Genie

By Catherine Hahn on July 21, 2008

We so enjoyed your Romeo and Juliet at Avington Park last night. As a seasoned Shakespeare watcher, I found your interpretation so full of contemporary relevances and so up to date it was very thought provoking. The whole evening was a joy - who says Shakespeare is out of date? No way. Please come back again and delight us once more. Thank you.

By Becca on July 20, 2008

Have just come back from Romeo and Juliet at Avington Park, near Winchester. Thank you for a fantastic production. Loved the setting, set, costumes, direction and the performances really were outstanding. Please come again!!!

By Rachelle on July 16, 2008

Thanks for an amazing show! I watched it last night on your tour to the island of Malta and i have to say that i was impressed! I have never seen a better Shakespearean play! Shakespeare should be very proud of you all! :-) I hope to see your cast in Malta again. Thanks.

By Veronika Mandl on July 14, 2008

Congratulations on your performance of “Romeo & Juliet“! I saw the Globe’s performance in the Roman Amphitheatre Petronell-Carnuntum in Austria on July 5, 2008 and I need to say that I am still deeply moved and truly amazed by this production.

There was everything in this production that one can possibly expect from a Shakespearean play. It was lively, sexual allusions – as Shakespeare supposedly intended them to be – were constantly realised directly as well as indirectly and the whole way of acting was very well organised; i.e. it was fast-moving, entertaining and there was a good connection between the single actors and the audience. I was really astounded by Marsha Henry (Nurse) who enables the audience to laugh and in the next moment she is able to make it cry by singing a melody with her marvellous voice. Furthermore, Alan Morrissey was a cute charming Romeo. One can also regard Dominique Bull as extraordinary talented, who conveyed the true dilemma of whether Juliet should drink this pseudo-poison that she received of Friar Laurence (acted by a convincing Conrad Westmaas) and whether she is able to trust him enough or not. I believed her every word. Last but not least, I need to refer to Nitzan Sharron (Mercutio) who was really astounding in his way of acting – lively, bold and absolutely present.

I loved the way, in which the stage was arranged. Apart from the gorgeous Volkswagen camper van, on top of which the famous balcony scene was staged, it resembled the original setup of Shakespeare’s Globe. The stage even included the distinctive columns that were rebuilt in the style of the Globe columns; wherefore, they served as cut between the scenes and the tradition of hiding behind them could also be preserved. Hence, the special dynamic of the Globe stage could be realised in and transferred to the local amphitheatre.

All in all, the Globe managed to entertain, move and delight with its production of this everlasting play. In my opinion one could claim that Shakespeare would have enjoyed and liked this performance. Thank you very much indeed for this amazing British theatre experience in Austria!

By Doris on July 6, 2008

Thanks for touring to Austria to the Art Carnuntum Festival! It was one of those evenings you won't forget. Half of the text I know by heart but I have never seen this play so lively, moving the heart so deeply. What a wonderful Romeo!! A truely remarkable performance of the cast - and I loved the camper. Please do come back to Austria.

By jenna on June 27, 2008

I saw the show last night in the Coventry Cathedral Ruins and i thought it was amazing. Despite the rain and wind and biting cold i throughly enjoyed it and didnt want it to end. Well done to Juliet for wearing very little on top of a camper van when its raining and windy, you've got some balls, and Romeo, phwoarh, he was just a bit tasty.
All the actors were amazing. I loved every minute of it and would love to see more.
Next time the weather might be better.

By Sarah on June 23, 2008

I saw the show in Heaton Park last night and it was tremendous. For a bunch of "luvvies" the cast coped admirably with the torrential rain and howling gale - not sure that excuses stealing the audience's picnics though! The weather didn't matter because the performances were so captivating. PS if any of the cast happen to be reading this it's blue skies and sunshine all the way in Manchester now - sorry!

By Nic on June 20, 2008

Just got back from the show at Heaton Park. LOVING Mancunian Romeo!!
What an amazing night. An excellent performance from start to finish, with so much fun and energy and emotion on display. I cried at the end.
Thank you for an awesome night.

By Kaz Glidon on June 19, 2008

Hi I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Romeo and Juliet last night at Wilton Hall, and how fabulous the cast were, ignoring the rain (torrential at times), wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Hope the tour is a great success.

By Donald on June 16, 2008

Watched the show on a cold Sunday evening in St Andrews. Loved it. Juliet's footwork on a wet campervan was as surefooted as her delivery. Mercutio moved from bawdy romp to tragedy in the blink of an eye. Romeo clearly the sort of adolescent who should be kept well away from knives.
COme back soon.
Surprisingly cold for Verona at this time of year.

By Abbie on June 13, 2008

What an amazing show!! So good i came to see it twice. I loved the idea of outdoor theatre it really added to the overall effect of the play on the audience..I watched the show at the chricton campus in Dumfries where it was one of the biggest audiences the touring production had played to and we were not disappointed as we were given a spectacular performance from all actors. i thought Alan Morrissey was an excellent and the emotions he put over to the audeince were so realistic his eyes conveyed everything and were captivating......Nitzan Sharron was also a great comedy aspect as Mercutio the audience were never without a smile on their faces when he was on stage!! And thankfully the weather stayed dry!! Overall a wonderful performance ...please do not hesitate in coming back to Dumfries!!

By hayley on June 12, 2008

Really amazing! Saw this in Dumfries tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope we receive more visits from the company as it was fantastic. Brought Shakespeare alive in a way I have never witnessed before. The cast should be so proud of themselves. I may even make the journey up North to St Andrews to watch this again. Well done all involved!!

By Emily Gould on June 9, 2008

Wonderful. A perfect way to spend a Friday evening. The casting was perfect, I was transfixed. Romeo & Juliet has never been so alive or humorous. A truly magical time in Ravelin Park. Thank you.

By JAY WITHERS on June 7, 2008

Saw the Romeo and Juliet performance last night in Portsmouth and was very impressed. The company bring out the comedy and comic aspects of the dialogue and played very well to the younger members of the audience.
The van looked very odd when first seen but was used creatively and, oddly, became everything it was supposed to be: inside/outside, wall/palace/courtyard/vault, etc. Very clever idea.
I was surprised to read this is Dominique Bull's (Juliet) debut, she was accomplished, professional and confident and gave the perfermonace of a seasoned pro. Her "teenage antics" of elbows into waist and flapping arms portrayed the frustrations of a teenager very convincingly and her diction was clear and audible. She should be very proud of her accomplishment in this part.
Also the theatre debut of Marsha Henry (nurse), again, another well rounded and professional performance. Her voice is beautiful and she made a very good nurse.
Conrad Westmaas was very busy in his roles as was Bridgitta Roy, both good performances. Alan Morrissey (Romeo) Nitzn Sharron (Mercutio) and Perri Snowdon certainly appealed to the younger audience and were full of vigour and strutted with the conviction of young Italian stallions.
I thought another clever twist was to exchange the hat and apron between cast members so any of them could take over the role of the servant, good idea.
All in all, an enjoyable evening and I am glad I did not miss it. Thank you.

By Mark on May 23, 2008

Thanks for a TRULY ACE SHOW!!! I watched last night. It's a superb production - youthful, energetic, clever, simple, clear, fits the space beautifully. The audience were all fully engaged, occasionally vocal, clearly following the tale, loved the cast. I'm so pleased you've been with us this week. Thanks again for making it work. (And it's quite a good play too!)