Romeo and Juliet review – Russell Kane and Natalie Casey turn love’s young dream into a midlife fling

New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Cacophonous and comedic staging sees an experienced, older duo engage in an enthusiastic liaison rather than a rebellious first romance

As in any production of Shakespeare’s tragedy of star-crossed lovers, the nurse can tell Juliet’s age “unto an hour”. In this collaboration between the New Vic and Not Too Tame, however, that age is older than most. The Capulets’ upcoming party – a barrage of Balearic beats around a swimming pool with Tybalt (Patrick Knowles) on the decks – will mark her 40th birthday.

Played by Natalie Casey, Juliet gets ready to the sounds of a chamber orchestra playing Like a Virgin. If you believe the nurse (Louise Haggerty), she is anything but.

At New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until 10 October