Guildford Shakespeare Company have scored another great hit with their current production of Romeo and Juliet.

Their first indoor production takes place in the splendid setting of Holy Trinity Church in Guildford.

Ornate screening provides an opulent backdrop for court scenes while subdued lighting allows the actors to lurk in the shadows in darker moments.

Energy And Panache

Matt Pinches, who co-founded the company with Sarah Gobran, says:

"Holy Trinity Church is absolutely stunning and the audience feel very much part of the show.

They are not just sat in a black box facing the stage - they feel very much part of the action."

Indeed on the night Guildfordeye went along, those people who had rushed to get front row seats were visibly flinching as full size swords flashed and clinked in the fight scenes.

These scenes, as with all others, were played with great energy and panache - the Guildford Shakespeare Company may be small but it's big on performance.

Moods Of Light And Shade

The action begins with the chanting of the prologue - transparent screens show silhouettes of the characters as the Church fills with wonderful melodies.

From then on the action moves swiftly as the young actors perform with confidence, putting great energy into the dialogue and creating various moods.

Christopher Kinneston (Romeo) and Ellie Kirk (Juliet) are delightful as the naive young lovers and Tom Peters cleverly portrays a darker, more impetuous character as Mercutio, Romeo's great friend.

The cast work well as group, convincingly interacting with one another and looking as if they enjoy every moment, which is fortunate since the play runs for an impressive 16 nights (until February 20th).

Director Charlotte Conquest, explains why Romeo and Juliet has such appeal:

"I think it's partly because it deals with such big themes like love, death, marriage and so on.

Romeo and Juliet's love is no sooner found than it is destroyed.

The audience is strategically forced to perch on the edge of their seats as they watch the lovers hurtle towards their untimely deaths."

Theatre For All

The Guildford Shakespeare Company passionately believes that theatre and Shakespeare should be accessible to everyone - regardless of age, means or social background.

Its performances are presented in fresh and inventive ways and, partly due to the often unusual settings, audiences feel very much a part of the play.

Romeo and Juliet runs from 5th - 20th February at the Holy Trinity Church, Guildford High Street.

Tickets available from the box office 01483 304384

www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

Guildford Shakespeare Company has been shortlisted for the Creative Industries Award in the Toast of Surrey Business Awards 2010

Review by Tinx Newton

Photo by Mike Eddowes Photography.