William Shakespeare, as a writer, has always inspired how we as people love. Maybe in an idealistic way, in terms of his most tragic story, Romeo and Juliet, when we see our star-crossed lovers get so close to their dream of being together, only to die when their wires become crossed. Imagine what would happen if they actually didn’t die! Maybe they are not in a traditional Shakespearian setting speaking traditional Shakespearian lingo, but a modern era, with modern language in San Francisco, where they have separated and now, reunited after a year apart, finding themselves. What if Romeo and Juliet became a more authentic version of themselves as human beings, living their best lives, exploring their sexuality in the grand scheme of things? Would it still work? Gazelle Theatre explores this very avenue in an exciting new adaptation of this Shakespearian classic through interactive, immersive cabaret theatre with some drag performances involved.
Romiet. Credit: Susan HedgecoeBrad Collett and Martha Meager played the star crossed lovers in question with an energy that that was not only vibrantly engaging, but approached the aftermath tale in the style of a podcast that was being recorded about Romeo’s journey into becoming a straight Drag Queen called Romiet with occasional flashbacks to when he and Juliet grew together as a couple after being reunited. Collett’s approach to Romiet was one that many could relate to in terms of finding that authentic self and voice. At times, the road gets bumpy and messy, but the destination is worth the fight. He chose to make Romeo someone who is saved from near death yet again, only through someone unexpected. A drag queen called Davina, who took him under her wing and introduced Romeo to a world of glitter, hard graft and high heels! Collett made Romiet a character that was not only fun, but also more well-rounded than the usual approach to the original of being purely a love-struck young man. His performance was not only highly humourous, but uniquely insightful, playful and full of heart; especially when handling a very loud heckling audience extremely well. There is always a risk you could be thrown off with every show, but Collett, being the main compere as it were, handled this with grace and humble humour and kept everyone on track.
As for Meager, her Juliet was the one who questioned her own viewpoints on how she saw the world, thanks to Romiet. Whilst she realised she loved him still, there was so much she was being challenged on, such as how a man can still be straight whilst exploring his femininity. Whilst she was being made out to be the villain of the piece, Meager allowed her own vulnerability to shine through as she discovered her own inner power through the power of true love. It was lovely to see how her own journey was given an equal opportunity to be explored rather than being pushed into the background. I won’t give too much away, but let’s just say her own discoveries equally balanced Romiet’s inner empowerment and is the anchor to why Romiet works extremely well.
Sassy, fun, empowering! That is Romiet. If you want a different, exciting way to get to know Romeo and Juliet, this is the show to see. It gives a real, raw, authentic approach to self-discovery, whilst never losing the power of play and comedic timing that is slick and to die for. One to watch!
Sascha Cooper
Gazelle Theatre is excited to bring back their smash hit play Romiet back to the stage. After great success of Brad Collett’s pantomime Gazelle is ready to bring Romiet back with a fresh look!
What would’ve happened if Romeo and Juliet didn’t die? What if Romeo went off and found himself? What happens when Juliet stumbles across a new Romeo? Romiet follows Romeo and Juliet meeting after the events in the famous play. With the question will they get back together now Romeo is a drag queen? Can Juliet put her beliefs aside for the love of her life? The play follows Romeo expressing himself and being who he wants to be, whilst looking at the effect that has on his loved one Juliet.
What if Romeo and Juliet survived? What would happen if they met again and Romeo was doing a very different job? Join us as we discover if Romeo and Juliet can rekindle their love in a modern age!
Cast List
Romeo/Romiet – Brad Collett
Juliet – Martha Meager
Creative Team
Written by Gazelle Theatre
Edited by Brad Collett
Directed by Susan Hedgecoe
Poster designed by Maxie Hilbourne
Set design – Brad Collett
Sound & Lighting design – Brad Collett
Music – Alexander Hedgecoe
With Special Thanks To
Naz Yeni
Heather Lilley
Tabby Dara
Finn Green
Canal Café Theatre
CVenues
Cambridge Junction
The Lantern Theatre