Categories: News

Star Cross’d Theatre: QTC’s Romeo and Juliet opens next week

Two actors, both alike in age – in fair Brisbane, where our stage is not-yet-quite-set… Melanie Zanetti and Thomas Larkin are in rehearsal (at QTC’s studio on the appropriately named Montague St) for the timeless tale of love and loss, Romeo & Juliet.

Set to open at QPAC’s Playhouse in a week’s time, Zanetti and Larkin feature as the star cross’d lovers in this much-talked-about production, presented by Queensland Theatre Company.

Melanie Zanetti and Thomas Larkin in QTC's Romeo and Juliet

Larkin and Zanetti, both 26 years old, have been earning recognition and success in their theatrical careers in QLD; Larkin has just finished As You Like It at La Boite, and Zanetti recently won a Matilda Award for her performance as Eliza Doolittle in QTC’s production of Pygmalion.

‘We have two exciting, young actors at the perfect stage in their careers to play the coveted title roles.’ says QTC’s Artistic Director, Wesley Enoch.

You may also have heard the names ‘Zanetti’ and ‘Larkin’ during the tempest generated by the posters advertising the show: really much ado about nothing if you ask me. Even before the curtains opened, this production was already provoking heated discussions of forbidden love.

But this production, directed by the acclaimed Jennifer Flowers, promises to be faithful to the original script, while ensuring the classic story is relevant to modern audiences, and Wesley Enoch is thrilled to be presenting the piece in his first year as Artistic Director.

‘It surprises me how many young people have never seen or even know the story of Romeo & Juliet,’ says Enoch ‘It is one of the most beautiful and provocative stories for the next generation to see. I love that it is in my first season as Artistic Director at QTC.’

Romeo and Juliet plays at QPAC’s Playhouse from 21 April – 13 May.

Bookings: 136 246 | www.qtix.com.au

Jemma Lanyon