Shakespeare’s most famous story is re-told through rap, rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. It’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, but as you’ve never heard it before running at the Polka Theatre until 14th April.
Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens who plays Montague / Multi-rolling is an actor, writer and director who has performed in and co-created children’s shows for many theatres and platforms UK-wide.
She is the director of Camden Youth Theatre, performer/co-author of ‘High Rise eState of Mind’ and co-created/performed in Rhum and Clay’s ‘Everything Has Changed’. Credits include ‘Pied Piper’ (BAC Beatbox Academy/Offie Winner), ITV featured children’s short ‘High Above the Sky’ (First Light Award/Mew Lab/SPID) and ‘Birthday Wish’ (British Urban Film Festival). Lakeisha has facilitated and directed work for Mountview, LAMDA, Central School of Speech and Drama, Arts Ed, Donmar Warehouse, Camden People’s Theatre, New Diorama Theatre, Lewisham Youth Theatre, The Working Party, National Literacy Trust, Lyric Hammersmith and led youth theatres for the Albany
The story………
A remixed tale of star-crossed lovers
How much would you risk for the person you love?
Forced apart by generations of hatred, young eyes meet across a South London dancefloor on a fateful night that will change their lives forever.
Put down your swords and pick up your mics, after all, the course of true love never did run smooth.
From the makers behind ‘Frankenstein: How to make a Monster’ and ‘Pied Piper the Hip Hop Family Musical’. ALT caught up with Lynch-Stevens to talk, career, diversity and more.
What made you want to become an actor? As a child, I was enchanted by the idea of escaping into different worlds and losing myself in various stories. I was also deeply intrigued by how one’s circumstances of birth, time, and environment could shape them. Stepping into the shoes of others felt like a calling.
What do you like about the job? I love the continuous learning process of fully immersing myself in a role and then letting go. You build a world, inhabit it, bid it farewell, and then dive into a new one with each acting job. It’s a valuable life skill.
You’ve done a lot of theatre. What do you enjoy about performing in front of a live audience? The live audience adds a mysterious dynamic to the world on stage. They observe and share in the experience, making each performance unique.
Let’s talk about Romeo and Juliet. What were your thoughts when landing this role? Co-directing and co-creating the show with Conrad Murray was exhilarating. I was excited to portray Mercutio and Benvolio of the Montagues and reimagine the role of the Friar, whom we renamed Freddy.
Are you a fan of Shakespeare? What do you appreciate about his texts? I’m inspired by Shakespeare’s prolificacy and the effortless poetry in his work.
How do you relate to your character? As someone who has worked extensively with young people, I resonate with Freddy’s role as an older confidant to both Montagues and Capulets. Mercutio’s bravado also reminds me of the mindset adopted by many in my youth.
What can audiences expect from the enactment without giving too much away?
Romeo & Juliet reimagined through rap, beatboxing, instruments, and singing, all set in Merton.
How is music used, and what kind of music can we expect?
Music and hip-hop theatre are central to all Beats and Elements theatre company productions. You’ll hear guitars, loop stations, vocal layering, and beatboxing, all coming from the performers.
How much does the director deviate from the original text?
We relocate the play from Verona to South London’s Merton and modernize some plot points to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Why should people come and see this play?
It’s an enjoyable show with great tunes, appealing to both theatre and music lovers, offering an accessible introduction to Shakespeare’s famous love story.
Theatres are diversifying their audiences. Do you think they’re doing enough?
Programming shows with diverse actors and artistic approaches is a positive step. Trailblazing theatres like Polka, with initiatives such as Curtain-Up!, are paving the way for young diverse theatre makers and audiences to feel included and inspired.
What roles would you like to play next?
I’m looking forward to reprising my role as Sally Snorkin in BAC Beatbox Academy’s ‘Pied Piper.’ I’d also love to portray an introverted scientist who accidentally discovers time travel, facing moral dilemmas and the temptation of recognition.
Where do you call home?I hail from South London’s Catford, in the borough of Lewisham. Growing up, my neighbourhood was divided much like the tension between Capulets and Montagues, but here’s to a better future!
