Star-cross'd lovers

Northern Ireland in the Troubles was the backdrop for an imaginative production of Romeo and Juliet at The Leys.

It was staged in the Old Gym while development work continued at the old Theatre site. But the temporary nature of the theatre did not limit the ambition of the production team. The use of text messaging, a striking graffiti wall backdrop, energetic fight scenes and the dancing of an Irish reel added to the dynamism of the play.

William Jones played Romeo and Helena McColl played Juliet.

Dominic Bell, Head of Drama, said: “From the start I wanted to make it a play of the present time, an interpretation which young people could relate to.”