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Northampton shopping centre hosts Romeo and Juliet play

Joseph Bailey/RSC Juliet and RomeoJoseph Bailey/RSC
Zensi Alleyne and Campbell Wallace played Juliet and Romeo in the 90-minute play adapted for young people

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has performed Romeo and Juliet in a shopping mall during a national tour.

The show took place in Weston Favell shopping centre, Northampton, in collaboration with local group Silhouette Youth Theatre.

The 90-minute adaptation of the William Shakespeare play is touring schools, theatres and community venues.

Silhouette member Ashton Griffiths said: "It's incredible, it gives you a real insight into the industry."

The RSC has previously worked with Silhouette Youth Theatre on five plays made for the 400th anniversary of the great bard's First Folio.

Young people from Northampton have also been able to join the act and direct schemes, learning from industry professionals.

Ashton, 15, said: "I've learned so much, watching the actors and company rehearse and warm up - it's amazing seeing people come together to make a play cohesive.

"Especially as a lot of us are planning to go into the industry, it gives a much-needed understanding of what it's like."

Oliver Conopo/BBC Members of Silhouette Youth TheatreOliver Conopo/BBC
Ashton and Thomas say they learned a lot from watching the RSC rehearse and perform Romeo and Juliet

Fellow member Thomas Bursnoll, 18, said watching the play was "the most surreal experience".

"I was so involved, my heart sank towards the end - I understood every second of it which I don't think you normally get with Shakespeare," he said.

"It's really engaging, which is important as people are studying it for their exams. Seeing it live and reading in a book are two completely different things."

The RSC hopes to reach "new and younger audiences" with its play, described as "an adrenaline-charged adaptation" abridged by Robin Belfield.

Young people from schools linked with the RSC are given the opportunity to perform alongside professional actors, taking the role of the Prince of Verona's counsel.

Funded by Arts Council England, the tour moves to Abington Vale and Blackthorn primary schools in Northampton and the Core theatre at Corby Cube on 6 February.

It will continue touring England for 12 weeks, finishing in Peterborough on 26 April.

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