By Jill Stocks
There was a special treat for Shakespeare lovers last weekend as the beautiful setting of Kirkstall Abbey provided the backdrop for one of the bard’s most loved works, Romeo and Juliet.
One of his best known works, and a story which has formed the basis for so many films and dramas over the years, the production by The Dukes Theatre Company came to Kirkstall for three nights as part of a nationwide tour.
And a familiar West Leeds face was part of the crew as Tour Manager Leann Young was in familiar surroundings as a resident of Bramley, and previously Kirkstall, and a long time member of Kirkstall Harriers running club.
Leann told us more about the company and the production, and what a learning curve it has been to work on her first open air theatre production: “The Dukes Theatre Company has been touring open air theatre for six years, building up a huge following and good reputation for quality performance in a short time.
“The company regularly play to more than 500 people and this year is their biggest season yet; playing outdoor spaces from May to mid-September and then theatre venues until mid-October.
“Unlike going into a theatre, with open air performance, we have to work with uneven ground, carrying our set through buildings and gardens, being in public spaces and of course the weather! Performing in the heatwave was a real challenge for the cast, but when 600 people have booked to see the show, we don’t want to let them down.
“We do get to see some fabulous places in the UK. The Minack in Cornwall and Powis Castle have been highlights so far, but we’re looking forward to places like Birmingham Botanic Gardens, Caernarfon Castle and the Trentham Estate.”
Leann was delighted to bring the performance to Kirkstall Abbey. She added: “I run around the Abbey grounds and organise the KA7 running race with my club, which starts and finishes in the Abbey. This is definitely my home turf.
“We’ve been touring for fiveweeks already, mainly in the South West, so it’s fantastic to be so close to home and have so many people I know come and enjoy the show.”
You can still catch the production in North Yorkshire if you missed out last weekend at Scarborough Esplanade on 22 July, Valley Gardens, Harrogate on 23 July and at Ripon Races on 24 July. You can book tickets on the website.
Review: Romeo and Juliet, Dukes Theatre Company, Kirkstall Abbey
I should confess at this point that I have known my friend, the above-mentioned tour manager, and her husband for a number of years but I will try not to let that temper my opinion!
I should also say that I have loved Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet since I studied it for my Duke of Edinburgh Award at school some 30-odd years ago so there is always the potential when I go to see any production of it, on stage or screen, that I will be either hugely offended by whatever I choose to see as an affront to the classic tale. Or I will be so moved the other way by the performance that my judgment is clouded by tears as I sob my way through the last ten minutes (spoiler alert: they both die). Again, I will try not to let that cloud my judgment as I write this.
Over the years I have seen a number of incarnations of Romeo and Juliet. I’m lucky enough that my mum also loves the theatre and we have been together to many productions. On stage or screen I have seen it in a modern setting, I have seen the ballet, I have fallen out with Baz Luhrmann for his efforts, and then decided I quite like it actually once I calmed down. I’ve seen the Royal Shakespeare Company several times in venues across the country, and I have seen it at Kirkstall Abbey when the British Shakespeare Company regularly used the grounds as part of their summer tours.
And I can honestly tell you that this is one of the best productions I have ever seen.
A cast of six with most playing dual roles, with the exception of those playing Romeo and Juliet, performed a shortened version of the play with an evident passion for what they were doing. The whole cast excelled, though I took a particular shine to Joe Carrick as both Mercutio and Lady Capulet. A pleasure to watch.
The set was simply but effectively designed, as were the costumes, to the point where if you weren’t paying enough attention you wouldn’t have realised that two parts were being played by one actor such was the efficiency of the set up. None of the rubbish you sometimes see of costume and character changes being emphasised for comedic effect. For all its relative informality this was a much too respectful production for that.
The setting, of course, was hugely important in the success of the production. We are very lucky in West Leeds to have Kirkstall Abbey on our doorsteps. But that also led to an informality and relaxed attitude from the audience which in turn made it a more enjoyable experience.
Whilst the more formal approach of such as the RSC might be a nice escape from the real world for an evening in its own right, it does promote a certain snobbishness to those outside of the theatre world and can be off putting.
This, with its shortened but no less impactful script, provided an accessible way to watch Shakespeare, literally and metaphorically, as people relaxed into the performance and enjoyed the liberation of going to the loo without being terrified of causing a scene.
If you were looking for a way to introduce younger people or those who have never enjoyed Shakespeare to theatre then this is it.
In short, a beautiful setting for a wonderful production. If you can, try and catch it in North Yorkshire on dates later this month. Take your camping chair and your chateauneuf du pape and enjoy a wonderful evening of theatre. This production is very worthy of your support.
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