This March, Melbourne Shakespeare Company invites you to laugh, cry, and swoon with their fresh take on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
Set against the lush backdrop of Central Park, Malvern, this outdoor production reimagines the world’s most iconic love story with forbidden romance, fiery family feuds, and just enough comedy to lighten the mood before things get, well… tragic!
Transported to the intrigue-filled streets of 1940s Vienna, where secrets lurk in the shadows, this 90-minute whirlwind combines Shakespeare’s immortal words with the charm of The Third Man and the intimacy of acoustic music. The show bursts with energy, featuring a stunning live soundtrack of pop classics reimagined by musical director Natalie Calia.
Directed by Emma Austin, whose five-star Much Ado About Nothing dazzled audiences in 2024, this production promises a heady mix of romance, drama, and moments of humour that might even make you forget about the heartbreak coming your way.
“Romeo & Juliet is more than a tragedy – it’s a celebration of passion, hope, and the complexities of love,” says director Emma Austin. “We’ve crafted a vibrant world where Shakespeare’s words collide with contemporary music and heartfelt storytelling to create an experience audiences will never forget.”
Melbourne Shakespeare Company encourages audiences to make the evening their own – pack a picnic, pour your favourite drink, or curate a platter that even the Capulets would envy.
Romeo and Juliet features an all-star cast, including Marlena Thomson (The Roof is Caving In) as Juliet, Oliver Tapp (Midnight Carousel) as Romeo, and acclaimed performers John Voce (Dr. Who, Downton Abbey) as Capulet, Lyndall Grant (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Don Quixote) as Montague, and audience favourite Karlis Zaid (My Fair Lady) as the Friar.
True to their commitment to sustainable theatre, Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s costumes and sets are made entirely from reclaimed and recycled materials, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Pack your picnic, grab your friends, and join us for an evening of love, heartbreak, and pop anthems!
Director: Emma Austin | Featuring: Amanda McKay, Asher Griffith-Jones, Elyse Batson, Emerson Hansford, Ethan Rutledge, Isabelle Davis, Jacqueline Whiting, John Vizcay-Wilson, John Voce, Karlis Zaid, Lyndall Grant, Marlena Thomson, Nabs Adnan, Oliver Gorringe, Oliver Tapp | Musical Director: Natalie Calia | Costume Designer: Leah Fitzgerald-Quinn | Set Designer: Silvia Shao | Stage Manager: Stephanie Watson | Marketing Coordinator: Bridget Sweeney | Intimacy Coordinator: Annabelle Tudor | Producer: Michael Mack | Artistic Director: Jennifer Sarah Dean
Romeo & Juliet
Central Park, Burke Road, Malvern
Season: 1 – 16 March 2025 (preview: 28 February)
Information and Bookings: www.melbourneshakespeare.com
Image: Oliver Tapp and Marlena Thomson – photo by Nick Robertson