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	theSpace on Niddry St (venue website) Theatre 2-4, 6-11 Aug, 12:20pm-1:40pm Reviewed by Lynsey Martenstyn
Family-friendly. Suitable for all ages.  Free and unticketed. No pre-booking required.

Shakespeare adaptations are the loyal migratory birds of the Fringe – dispersing in the winter, returning each August with a new and larger flock. This one is a female-only rendition of Romeo and Juliet, and is one of the stronger of the roost.

The adaptation follows the original story loyally, whilst adding its own distinct twist and bringing the tale into a modern setting. The plot follows Romeo and Juliet, young members of rival families the Montegues and Capulets, who fall in love – much to the disdain of their relatives. The play follows them as they attempt to fulfill their love and reconcile their families, with tragic results.

Playfully set in ‘Verona High’, the production focuses on the inter-gang rivalry of the well-to-do Capulets and the boisterous Montegues. Prince Escales, the Prince of Verona and Conflictor of the two families in Shakespeare’s version, is Principal Escales – the headteacher of the school. Other characters and elements of the play fit around the educational setting well. Different types of school uniform and clothes distinguish the gangs, the rival families have brawls in the playground and the backdrop is drawn onto a revolving chalkboard.

The production is perfect for introducing a teenage or younger audience to Shakespeare, and the dialogue is delivered with modern spectators in mind. Interaction with the audience ensures all keep attention during slower-paced scenes, while the best moments of the play revolve around the live music and physical pieces between Romeo and Juliet. Meanwhile Georgia Graham-Williams, who plays Mercutio, fills the role wonderfully and is a delight to watch.

Some of the acting within the production was not strong, though this was balanced by the talent of the stronger actors and the sizeable cast.  And occasionally, some actors blocked key scenes – such as the courting dance between Romeo and Juliet. The cast is admittedly large, but there were scenes which would have benefitted more actors offstage rather than distracting attention from focal moments in the play.

While the concept of setting Romeo and Juliet in a school isn’t the most original, it is done well and suits the young age of the large cast. However, there’s no reference as to why the all-female cast felt Romeo and Juliet could be performed without men. It simply felt as if the play had been chosen without considering that the company were performing one of the greatest love stories in Western history – a pity, since there was an opportunity here to make a serious point about the role of women in theatre.

Overall, as Shakespeare adaptations go, this will not disappoint. A combination of wonderful harmonies, live music and enthusiastic performances make for an entertaining rendition of Romeo and Juliet.