Queensland Theatre Company - Romeo and Juliet

Qld Theatre Company's new production of Romeo and Juliet was a sensory symphony. The set was cleverly constructed, with the focal point being an artificial "lake" in the front of centre stage. The collective "oh" that resounded around the audience when a thin stream of water fell from the ceiling to draw your attention to the body of water was a great introduction to an excellent show. Melanie Zanetti and Thomas Larkin were excellent in the title roles - she is such a little powerhouse in a fragile frame, and his portrayal conveyed the longing of a desperate lover. The rest of the cast were fantastic in their roles, and the costumes and lighting wonderful accentuations to the storyline. The closing scene was very well thought out, with the funeral pyre "floating" in the centre of the lake as Juliette lay suspended in virginal white only centimetres above the water line. The poignancy of the scene as Romeo lay dead across her rigid body with the water 'lapping' over him was a wonderful take on an old tale. I was able to speak separately to both of them after the show and thank goodness the water was heated for both their sakes, although Thomas said he still found it cold as he was actually lying in it for several minutes. They both deserve very loud applause for their excellent portrayals. Well done to all involved.

I thought that it was really well portrayed but I felt that it was acted a little too much like the movie and the death scene was a little too long. Other than that I really enjoyed it. Great performance. :)

The performance was stunning. The death plinth in the water added to the passion and drama of an already breathtaking performance. My partner a self confessed Shakesperean Theatre virgin enjoyed it immensly as well - thankyou exquisite

I was blown away by this performance! Very impressive work by the cast. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Mercutio and Benvolio, and some of the acting was very funny. The stage was excellent, costumes were great. I throughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend this performance!

Thoroughly enjoyable! Wow, abs on show! Took my daughter to her first play, main characters very "twilight like". Should appeal to Gen Y.