Acclaimed dance company brings alternative Romeo and Juliet story to York

Critically acclaimed dance company Lost Dog will perform Juliet & Romeo at York Theatre Royal (Image: Paul Blakemore)

Critically acclaimed dance company Lost Dog will perform Juliet & Romeo at York Theatre Royal, marking their debut in the theatre’s main house.

The two-hander stars Emily Terndrup as Juliet and John Kendall as Romeo, introducing audiences to the surreal, comic world of creator Ben Duke, who wrote and performed in the original 2018 production.

Mr Duke, artistic director of Lost Dog Dance, said: "I always hoped Shakespeare’s Juliet would wake up just a few moments earlier than she does; I know she never will, but I can’t help hoping for it.

"Baz Lurhman’s film came out in 1996 (30 years ago) and made a huge impression on me.

"The idea for the piece came from imagining an alternate version and, in turn, to encourage people to consider the nature of their own relationships.

"I think we aren’t that honest about relationships and that too many stories focus on how relationships start rather than how they continue."

Blending movement, text, drama, dance, and music, the production imagines a world where Shakespeare’s young lovers survive, grow up, marry, and move to Paris.

Now in their 40s, they embark on a performance about their own lives.

Ms Terndrup, who plays Juliet, said: "I have a huge affection for this Juliet; she’s funny, energetic, and passionate, but she’s also something of a fantasist and struggles with the gap between the life she imagined and the life she’s ended up with.

"There are aspects of her that would be challenging to live with, but I love being her for the time onstage each evening.

"I’ve never been to York, so I’m really looking forward to visiting the city and performing at the beautiful Theatre Royal.

"One of my all-time favourite books – Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, which is a magical, alternative version of history set in 19th-century England at the time of the Napoleonic Wars – starts in York.

"So I plan to see a few places mentioned in the book."

Mr Kendall, who plays Romeo, said: "I sympathise with Romeo; I think Juliet is probably the driving force behind wanting to try this latest method of understanding the relationship problems we – as Juliet and Romeo – face.

"Whilst not really being fully convinced Romeo is willing to try and fix the problems they both have, I feel he’s earnest and does want to make things work."

Juliet & Romeo will be performed at York Theatre Royal on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21.

Tickets are available now at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk, with discounted tickets available for anyone aged 16 to 30.