Starcrossed

The story of the two houses of Verona is undoubtedly one of Shakespeare’s best known plays. We all know how it ends. But what if Shakespeare’s focus was not Romeo and Juliet? What if, instead, the fated, star-crossed lovers were Mercutio and Tybalt? That is the question posed in Rachel Garnet’s Starcrossed, currently playing at Wilton’s Music Hall in London.

So, what then? Starcrossed is a clever, witty and thought-provoking re-telling of the Bard’s classic, directed by Philip Wilson. Using minimal set and just three actors, we witness a tender love story between a flamboyant Mercutio and a tentative Tybalt. The script rings true in a Shakespearian style and is neatly handled by all three players.

Connor Delves gives an assured performance as Mercutio, the dashing, man about town with an eye for other men. Tommy Sim’aan gives us a beautifully layered Tybalt, arrogant and vulnerable at the same time. Wonderful. And Gethin Alderman as ‘The Player’ is a tour de force. Taking on every other part in this story his ability to adapt both body and voice is mesmerising. And just occasionally, faintly terrifying!

This is a provocative re-imagining that is delivered with style and energy. Whether the story needs to be told, I’m still not sure, but it’s handled beautifully by this company and, for that reason alone, I would urge anyone to go and see it.

Daryl Bennett