Bell Shakespeare will take its acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet on a three-month national tour starting 29 August.
The critically acclaimed production, originally staged in 2023 and directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, will travel to 26 venues across six states and territories. Bell Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet tour kicks off at Canberra Theatre Centre before concluding at the Sydney Opera House from 19 November to 7 December.
The beautifully raw and intimate production gives audiences a closer look at Shakespeare’s most famous play, delving into the intensity and heartbreak of this evocative tragedy. The story unfolds against an enchanting starry sky as the young lovers’ forbidden romance leads them down a dangerous path to break free from their families’ violent feud.
Romeo & Juliet
- Canberra Theatre Centre: 29 August – 7 September
- Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre: 9 September
- Goulburn Performing Arts Centre: 11 September
- Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre: 13 September
- State Theatre Centre of WA: 16-20 September
- Mandurah Performing Arts Centre: 23 September
- Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre: 25 September
- Margaret River HEART: 27 September
- The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland: 30 September
- Glasshouse Theatre Port Macquarie: 4 October
- Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre: 9 October
- Pilbeam Theatre Rockhampton: 11 October
- Cairns Performing Arts Centre: 15 October
- Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool: 21 October
- Alexander Theatre MPAC: 23 October
- Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo: 25 October
- Burnie Arts Centre: 28 October
- Theatre Royal Hobart: 30 October – 1 November
- Princess Theatre Launceston: 3 November
- Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat: 6 November
- Geelong Arts Centre: 8-9 November
- Orange Civic Theatre: 13 November
- Griffith Regional Theatre: 15 November
- Sydney Opera House: 19 November – 7 December
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Dynamic newcomers Madeline Li and Ryan Hodson will star as the star-crossed lovers, supported by an ensemble cast including Merridy Eastman as Nurse, Jack Halabi as Paris, and Khisraw Jones-Shukoor as Friar. The production features Brittany Santariga in the dual role of Mercutio and Prince, alongside Tom Matthews as Tybalt and James Thomasson as Benvolio.
Artistic Director Peter Evans emphasises the production’s fresh approach to the classic tragedy, highlighting how the young cast brings infectious energy to Shakespeare’s story of love, family conflict and tragic accidents. The production balances the play’s reputation as both one of Shakespeare’s saddest and funniest works.
The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer Anna Tregloan, Lighting Designer Benjamin Cisterne, and Composer and Sound Designer Max Lyandvert. Associate Fight Director Thomas Royce-Hampton, Voice Director Jack Starkey-Gill and Choreographer Simone Sault complete the production team.
Bell Shakespeare continues its mission as Australia’s national theatre company specialising in Shakespeare’s works, touring major productions and education programmes to every state and territory. The company performs in theatres, schools, juvenile justice centres and regional communities, extending its reach through innovative digital programmes.
For more information, head here.
