ROMEO AND JULIET Arrives in Melbourne’s Central Park

A romantic tragedy under moonlit skies, acoustic pop tunes echoing through historic gardens, and a 1940s noir twist that will have you dreaming of secret rendezvous in the shadows—what more could you want on a balmy March evening? The Melbourne Shakespeare Company is once again capturing the city’s imagination with their forthcoming production of ROMEO AND JULIET. Rather than set in the dusty streets of Verona, this adaptation is whisking audiences to the intrigue-filled back alleys of wartime Vienna, blending Shakespearean poetry with the aesthetic of classic noir cinema. It’s a brand-new vision for the most famous love story ever told, and it all unfolds in the enchanting outdoors of Central Park, Malvern.

Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of the Bard or simply hoping for a captivating night out, this show promises a unique fusion of old and new: an iconic romantic tragedy laced with the irresistible energy of pop classics, plus an immersive setting that invites you to bring a picnic and lose yourself in the swirl of star-crossed romance. With tickets available at melbourneshakespeare.com, make sure you don’t miss out on what might just be the highlight of Melbourne’s theatre calendar.

A VIENNESE REIMAGINING

Bringing 1940s Vienna to life in Central Park is no small feat, but the Melbourne Shakespeare Company thrives on pushing boundaries. Director Emma Austin, best known for her acclaimed production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING in 2024, has set ROMEO AND JULIET against a backdrop inspired by The Third Man, that classic post-war film dripping with espionage and shadowy tension. Imagine the moody atmosphere of black-and-white cinematography, the smoky haze of hidden bars, and the sense that a dozen clandestine conversations are happening just out of sight.

It’s an evocative time and place, providing the perfect playground for the Montague-Capulet feud to brew. By relocating the action from Renaissance Italy to mid-century Austria, the production channels the paranoia and fractured loyalties of a war-torn era. Suddenly, the deeply rooted family rivalry that drives Shakespeare’s tragedy becomes an even more palpable reminder of how swiftly distrust can tear a community apart.

What about the romance, you ask? It’s very much alive. The aesthetic shift to 1940s Vienna doesn’t diminish the play’s eternal themes of love, sacrifice, and regret. Indeed, it might just heighten them. The swirl of shadows and suits, the hush of lamplight, and the wail of an accordion in the distance all stand ready to emphasise those stolen moments when hearts meet despite the odds. Shakespeare’s text remains intact, but there’s a distinct noir energy pulsing beneath every word.

A 90-MINUTE WHIRLWIND OF LAUGHS AND TEARS

If you’re wondering whether an outdoor Shakespeare can really deliver on drama and pacing, rest assured: Melbourne Shakespeare Company has honed the art of swift, engaging stagings. This ROMEO AND JULIET runs at a taut 90 minutes, ensuring the narrative propels forward with urgent momentum. That’s good news for modern audiences who crave the emotional punch of Shakespeare without a three-hour run time.

What’s more, a quick glance at the Company’s track record shows they know how to keep the energy crackling. Their previous productions have garnered praise for tight direction, lively comedic interludes, and cleverly staged action sequences. Expect the same approach here, particularly when it comes to punctuating dark tension with well-timed humour. After all, even a tragedy like Romeo and Juliet has those delightful comedic beats woven in—whether it’s Mercutio’s playful banter or the Nurse’s endearingly hapless moments.

Beyond the basic timing and blocking, the production stays true to the heart of Shakespeare’s tragedy: that thrilling, bittersweet sense of two lovers racing against fate. The short, sharp approach means every moment on stage counts; no scene is wasted, and the cast is free to concentrate on nuance and emotion.

A SOUNDTRACK OF REINVENTED POP CLASSICS

Think you’ll be hearing 1940s ballads or purely classical instrumentation? Think again. The music for ROMEO AND JULIET is helmed by Musical Director Natalie Calia, who has reimagined a setlist of pop classics to accompany the drama on stage. This melding of contemporary hits with Shakespeare’s language is, by now, something of a signature for the Melbourne Shakespeare Company.

While the exact setlist is under wraps, audiences can look forward to a live acoustic vibe that complements the period costumes and cinematic aesthetic. There’s a certain thrill in hearing a familiar track performed against the hush of a moonlit park, bridging old and new in unexpected ways. It’s not merely a gimmick—these reorchestrated tunes can often capture the emotional landscape of a scene more powerfully than a historically accurate melody might. Whether it’s a slow, haunting cover of a modern pop anthem or a spirited, jazzy twist on a romantic ballad, the music will underscore key moments, tugging at heartstrings just as effectively as Shakespeare’s famous poetry.

“Romeo and Juliet is more than a tragedy—it’s a celebration of passion, hope, and the complexities of love,” says Emma Austin. “We’ve crafted a vibrant world where Shakespeare’s words collide with contemporary music and heartfelt storytelling to create an experience audiences will never forget.”

A SEASONED CAST IN THE SPOTLIGHT

For any Shakespeare production, casting can make or break the show. In this case, the leads promise to be as compelling as their surroundings. Marlena Thomson (THE ROOF IS CAVING IN) steps into Juliet’s shoes, poised to deliver the heart and vulnerability that make Juliet such a pivotal figure. Opposite her is Oliver Tapp (MIDNIGHT CAROUSEL) as Romeo—expect an earnest, lovestruck performance that leans into the youthful intensity driving his every decision.

Rounding out the cast are heavy hitters from stage and screen. John Voce (DR. WHO, DOWNTON ABBEY) brings gravitas to Capulet, while Lyndall Grant (HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, DON QUIXOTE) appears as Montague, ensuring the family feud remains as gripping as ever. And no Shakespearean tragedy would be complete without the Friar, here performed by the audience favourite Karlis Zaid (MY FAIR LADY), who’s bound to offer both witty interludes and moral tension.

But it’s not merely about star power; it’s about the chemistry that erupts when these performers collide in those pivotal scenes—an unstoppable brew of jealousy, secrecy, elation, and despair that defines the Montague-Capulet rivalry. Given the Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s reputation, it’s safe to say we’ll see plenty of dynamic performances that break our hearts one minute and have us roaring with laughter the next.

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS CREATIVITY

Beyond the spectacle of romance and conflict, there’s another notable aspect to this production: Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s dedication to sustainable theatre. Costumes and sets are made from reclaimed and recycled materials, elevating everyday objects to a place of cinematic grandeur. It’s a brilliant reminder that theatre can be both visually stunning and environmentally conscious.

In a world where sustainability is increasingly significant, the Company’s approach stands out. From repurposing old fabrics into lavish 1940s-inspired dresses to using salvaged wood for scenery, every choice aims to reduce waste while enhancing creativity. Past productions have earned applause not only for the artistry on stage but also for the inventive, eco-friendly means by which the team brought their vision to life.

PICNICS, FRIENDS, AND THE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

Melbourne’s outdoor theatre tradition thrives on a casual, convivial atmosphere—something the Melbourne Shakespeare Company wholeheartedly embraces. Central Park in Malvern offers a spacious, leafy environment perfect for setting out a picnic blanket and popping open a bottle of your favourite vintage. Whether you bring a hamper of gourmet treats or keep it simple with some local cheese and crackers, the communal spirit of open-air shows adds a delightful element to the evening.

If you’re new to this kind of theatre, be prepared for a laid-back approach that still packs a dramatic punch. There’s something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon, the stage lights growing brighter against the encroaching dark, and Shakespeare’s lines echoing amid rustling leaves. It’s a fleeting kind of beauty, one that can make an evening at the theatre feel less like a formal outing and more like an intimate gathering among friends.

By the time the tragic crescendo builds, you might find yourself so wrapped up in the storyline that you forget you’re outdoors at all—until a gentle breeze reminds you. It’s precisely that mixture of natural grandeur and human emotion that keeps audiences coming back, season after season.

AN INVITATION TO RE-DISCOVER THE BARD

For many, ROMEO AND JULIET was the first Shakespearean play encountered in a high school classroom—a piece so frequently staged and studied that it risks feeling overfamiliar. The Melbourne Shakespeare Company aims to shake off that dust and present it anew, proving that even centuries-old texts can speak powerfully to contemporary audiences. Through noir-infused design, acoustic pop reinterpretations, and the palpable energy of an outdoor setting, they beckon you to see the play with fresh eyes.

In a city known for its thriving cultural scene, it can be easy to overlook these more intimate, somewhat whimsical productions. Yet past reviews of the Company’s offerings consistently praise the sincerity, spontaneity, and sheer fun that characterise their work. When you combine all that with the timeless intrigue of lovers defying family feuds, the result seems irresistible. Grab a ticket, invite your favourite theatre companion, and prepare for a night that balances heartbreak and hilarity with effortless charm.

PACK YOUR PICNIC, BRING YOUR HEARTBREAK

Ultimately, this reimagining of ROMEO AND JULIET rests on the very paradox that has made the original so enduring: it’s a love story that ends in tragedy, yet remains profoundly hopeful about the human capacity for passion. In the midst of 1940s noir aesthetics, popping flashbulbs of comedic relief, and the hum of acoustic pop reworks, you’ll feel the tidal pull of romance all the more acutely, precisely because you know how it ends.

Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s vision comes alive this March in Central Park, Malvern, offering an outdoor theatrical experience that merges black-and-white intrigue with the bright sparks of love. Whether you’re in it for the heartbreak, the laughter, or simply the spectacle of a classical masterpiece renewed, one thing is certain: you’ll be swept away.

A FINAL RENDEZVOUS IN THE SHADOWS

As the last notes of the live soundtrack fade and the final lines of Shakespeare’s text ring out, you might find yourself standing under a canopy of stars, unexpectedly moved. Perhaps it’s the noir setting that adds a whispered promise of secrets untold. Or maybe it’s the sincerity and spontaneity of the cast, risking everything for love in a world teetering on the edge of conflict. Then again, it could simply be the timeless pull of two hearts defying fate.

ROMEO AND JULIET invites you to laugh at witty banter one moment and brace your heart for devastation the next. If that sounds like a tumultuous night out, that’s exactly the point—after all, love rarely follows a smooth path. So dust off your picnic blanket, recruit a few good friends, and head to Central Park for an unforgettable blend of romance, rebellion, and 1940s ambience. Once the lights dim and the hush settles in, you’ll realise that sometimes, a timeless tragedy is exactly what you need to remember why we still believe in love.