Romeo Must Die takes a contemporary spin on Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet.
Written and directed by Gloria Akpoke and co-produced by Mya Onwugbonu, the play is set in Manchester and follows six black teenagers navigating the unpredictability of secondary school life.
The room is dark, lit only by dim lighting, as Princess, played by Tanyel Davis, opens the play with a lyrical monologue that immediately sets the tone and scene.
As the story unfolds, we meet a group of friends bonded not only by their shared Black identity, but also by the struggles and joys that come with it. Playful cultural references and witty exchanges between the characters consistently drew laughter from the audience.
It quickly becomes clear that there is a divide between the Black and white students. This tension stems not only from the postcode rivalry affecting their community, but also from the way they are perceived and treated. The Black students are often labelled as “thugs” by teachers simply for standing together or engaging in harmless banter. As someone who went to school in the UK, this was a common occurrence and I felt like I was in an episode of black mirror.
At the heart of the story is the relationship between Romeo (George Wood) and Rose (Christie Fewry), who keep their growing romance hidden out of fear of how others will react. At times, Rose struggles to feel understood by Romeo, whose experiences differ from her own. He does not fully grasp the realities of the Black experience that shape her daily life. This exploration is particularly effective, reflecting conversations that often arise within interracial relationships.
The dialogue is smooth and fast-paced, making the interactions feel authentic and natural. As violence begins to seep into the story, the emotional intensity within the theatre grows alongside it. I found myself especially connected to Rose, whose poetic monologues beautifully capture aspects of the Black girl experience through vivid imagery and rhythmic language.
The cast delivers powerful performances throughout, conveying both the humour and heartbreak of the story with conviction. As the play progresses and the themes become more serious, the room falls noticeably silent. Although it is a tragedy, the production constantly gives the audience hope that events might somehow turn out differently.
Unfortunately, we already know how the story ends.
Written by Jamine Kamagate
