Cast and creatives announced for UK revival of Shakespeare’s R&J at Reading Rep Theatre

Cast and creatives have been announced for the first UK revival of Joe Calarco’s queer play Shakespeare’s R&J.

The new production will run at the Reading Rep Theatre from Wednesday, 11 October – Saturday, 4 November 2023.

Award-winning actor Elijah Ferreira (Hedwig And The Angry Inch – Leeds Playhouse/Manchester Home) will return to Reading Rep Theatre for the production, joined by Luke Daniels (Youth and the Young Person – Reading Rep, Penetration – The Cockpit), Brayden Emmanuel (You & Me – ITV, DNA – New Wolsey Theatre) and Tom Sowinski (Million Dollar Quartet – NCL, Cilla – The Musical – UK and Ireland Tour).

In a rigid boarding school, four repressed adolescents unearth a secret copy of Shakespeare’s tale of forbidden love… what begins as a rebellious laugh soon turns into something more violent.

Reading Rep Theatre’s Founding Artistic Director Paul Stacey will direct the play’s first UK revival, which hasn’t played a UK stage since the play’s West End debut 20 years ago.

The production has movement direction by Chris Cuming, design by Anna Kelsey, lighting design by John Rainsforth, sound design by Jamie Lu and casting by Sarah Harkins.

Paul Stacey said: “I can’t wait for audiences to see this epic story of forbidden love turned on its head. This modern adaption shakes off the cobwebs many associate with Shakespeare and allows us to see the text anew. We are very excited to welcome our talented cast to Reading Rep and it’s a pleasure to have Elijah and Luke back on our main stage.”

For more information and tickets, visit www.readingrep.com