Romeo and Juliet play it for laughs

Romeo & Juliet, Belgrade Theatre, June 20-22. Almost no other play has had as many re-inventions as Romeo & Juliet, and the latest comes from Oddsocks Productions, who've chosen a musical Mods and Rockers theme for their re-telling of Shakespeare's classic love story at the Belgrade. The soundtrack, performed live on stage, runs all the way from Twist And Shout to The Boys Are Back In Town and Everybody Hurts as the Capulets and the Montagues play out their violent confrontations and tender love scenes, culminating in a final act of coincidence and confusion, in which the star-crossed lovers Don't Fear The Reaper and their parents are left thinking If I Could Turn Back Time. As is customary with Oddsocks, it will be high-energy and tongue-in-cheek. In more than 28 years of touring, the company has created over 70 productions and played to nearly 400,000 people. Their most recent visit to the Belgrade, in June last year, saw them stage a high-octane, and very successful, version of Much Ado About Nothing. Artistic Director Andy Barrow said, "Oddsocks is a theatrical experience for everyone. As actors, we're putting on a party and everyone is invited. It's theatre that's highly energetic, full of life and packed with laughs. It's Shakespeare, but not as you know it." Tickets from the Belgrade box office on 024 7655 3055 or online at www.belgrade.co.uk.