Romeo and Juliet (Tom Holland) Review: The Duke of York’s Theatre
Wondering if Romeo & Juliet (with Tom Holland at The Duke of York’s Theatre) is worth it? Here’s my honest review of the play and if it was worth the eye-watering ticket price.
Seeing a West End show is much like going to a birthday party. A special occasion with an element of surprise and expectations. Will it be worth the 2 zones of travel and a stuffy tube?
I’ll be the first to admit that deciding to get a last-minute £275 ticket (yes, the most expensive West End show I’ve been to…more on that later) to the what can seem overdone love story was heavily influenced by Tom Holland’s leading role.
And apparently, others too…
Crowds on crowds wait to get a glimpse of Tom Holland leaving Romeo & Juliet post-show
But was it worth it?
In this post I’ll be sharing my unsponsored and unfiltered review of The Jamie Lloyd Company’s Romeo and Juliet, featuring Tom Holland – alongside all the bits that go along with the experience. Let’s get into it, shall we?
The Duke of York’s Theatre & Jamie Lloyd’s Company
Just a skip and a throw from Charing Cross or Leicester Square and you’ll reach the Duke of York Theatre.
Founded in 1892 with its name change in 1895 when the King declared ‘it is a right royal building with a theatrical tradition fit for a King.’ it really makes for the perfect theatre to host such a classic – and has done so for years with runs of everything from Rent to the Rocky Horror Show.
In short, it’s everything you would expect from a great West End theatre!
P.S.—Before seeing the play, it’s worth giving yourself a quick refresher on Romeo and Juliet. It’s one of those stories most of us first came across at school—maybe even skimmed through before an exam—only to revisit years later with a deeper appreciation. And if you happen to be studying Shakespeare or exploring his works again, you can always do my essay with EduBirdie to get professional guidance and a clearer understanding of the play’s timeless themes.
Why Are Tom Holland’s Romeo & Juliet Tickets SO Expensive?
Like I said, this was the most expensive West End show I’ve been too (by lightyears), but it’s pretty clear to see why.
Given his Spiderman fandom it was rightly assumed from the start that Tom Holland’s headlining role would spike up the ticket demand and costs quite a bit.
In fact, the first batch of tickets for Romeo and Juliet with Tom Holland had a 60,000 person waiting list!
Granted, the Duke of York’s Theatre did provide 5,000 tickets priced at £25 for Key Workers, Under 30s and those on Government Benefits for its first release.
But for the rest of us…
Rightfully so, this has sparked a big debate about rising ticket prices for London Theatres and London West End prices controversy.
However given its A-list headliner status, I decided to bite the wallet and see if it’d be worth it. Would you?
Honest (Quick) Review: Romeo & Juliet Featuring Tom Holland
The Production & Costumes:
Prefacing this by saying Jamie Lloyd’s Company (which I was not familiar with before I went) is known for mixing the classics with a contemporary twist, and a very, very minimalist setup.
So if you’re expecting Spiderman level costume changes and action…this isn’t the one for you.
In fact, the entire performance was done with not much more than a few hoodies and black trousers, the focus really was on the lines and interactions between the actors, and not much else.
Without spoiling too much I really liked the cinematography of the production which was something I’d never seen before! I’ll leave it at that.
The Acting & Chemistry:
Starting off with what might be the obvious given his resume…but Tom Holland was amazing.
He really comes off like an adolescent adrift and hopelessly in love in a doomed romance.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers was on leave that evening but her replacement Shardé Neikaiya steps in as a headstrong and fierce Juliet with wit to match.
I found the acting to be well-delivered and passionate while adding lots of South London-esque quips and humour along the way from both Tom and Shardé at the time alongside the main cast of:
- Freema Agyeman as Nurse
- Michael Balogun as Friar
- Tomiwa Edun as Capulet
- Daniel Quinn-Toye as Paris / Understudy Romeo
- Mia Jerome as Montague / Understudy Nurse
- Ray Sesay as Tybalt
- Nima Taleghani as Benvolio
- Joshua-Alexander Williams as Mercutio
Albeit some of the play felt slightly static as a good bit of the show is more focused on delivering lines to the audience rather than to each other.
With that said reading the reviews from a stuffier crowd, I think it came off ‘too modern’ for a few without as much of the ‘ohhs and ahhs’ as they would’ve liked.
But for a Gen-Z/Millennial cusp like me in look of something new from the West End, I absolutely loved it. Tom Holland or not!
Final Thoughts: Is Seeing Romeo & Juliet (Tom Holland) Worth It?
So, is seeing Romeo and Juliet with Tom Holland worth it?
Given its rumoured run in Broadway there’ll be plenty of time to catch a glimpse of Spiderman in theatre action and a modern take on the classic play, even if don’t get tickets for the London run (on until August 4th).
All in all if you’re looking for a cookie cutter West End show with all the bells and whistles, this really isn’t the play I’d recommend.
But, if you’re craving something new from a London theatre show with celebrity buzz and excellent acting, I highly recommend!
