Young Liverpool Actors Cast As Star Crossed Lovers In Shakespeare Repertoire At The Epstein Theatre

By Jade | March 29, 2018

 

Coinciding with Shakespeare Week, Daniel Taylor Productions has announced the names of two young Liverpool actors who will play Romeo and Juliet in an alternating repertoire of Shakespeare’s classic plays at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre from Wednesday 11 – Saturday 21 April.

This new adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, set in 1880s strife torn Protestant and Catholic Liverpool, will be performed alongside Daniel Taylor’s critically acclaimed, immersive production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which returns by popular demand.

In the title roles as the star-crossed lovers are local actors Faye Griffiths and James Ledsham.

Produced and directed by Blood Brothers and West End star Daniel Taylor, this ten-day run of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays offers a fresh and immersive experience, with settings chosen to resonate with modern audiences and appeal in particular to newcomers to Shakespeare’s work.

Liverpool actress Faye Griffiths, who trained with Chiltern Dance Studio will take on the role of ‘Juliet’ which represents her first major stage role. Faye has previously performed as part of the ensemble cast for Cilla the Musical during its Liverpool run in September 2017, and ‘Peaseblossom’ in last year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Her ‘Romeo’ will be played by upcoming Liverpool-based actor James Ledsham whose credits include Those Two Weeks (Naughty Corner Productions), Nights in Oblivion (Committee of Horses), Ball of Fire (Blue Park Theatre Company) and Lima Syndrome(Lantern Theatre).

Producer Daniel Taylor said: “This year we’re performing two shows back to back in the same day, a challenge for actors of all levels of experience, but even more so for our fantastic young leads, Liverpool actors Faye Griffiths and James Ledsham, who are talented, driven additions to a magical team.”

Relocating Shakespeare’s classic from fair Verona to 1880s Liverpool, Trisha Duffy’sadaptation of Romeo & Juliet explores the destructive impact of religious sectarianism close to home. In this adaptation, two star-crossed lovers are caught between their feuding noble families, the Catholic Montagues and Protestant Capulets, resulting in tragic consequences. Passionate young love and the destructive impact of divided communities are prominent themes in this fresh adaptation of what is widely regarded as the greatest love story of all time.

The Epstein’s first ever production of a Shakespeare play, which also saw Daniel in his first directorial role, Daniel Taylor Productions’ 2017 A Midsummer Night’s Dream, received rave reviews and engaged audiences of all ages. Adapted by Helen Jeffrey, this production is high energy and laugh-out-loud, Shakespeare’s effervescent comedy with all the vitality of its earliest performances.

The full cast for both productions will be announced shortly.

Critical acclaim for A Midsummer Night’s Dream:

North West End ★★★★★

“All the cast were excellent, capturing the mood and passion of their characters perfectly.”

Writing By Sean ★★★★★

“Quirky, clever and hilarious.”

Catherine Jones, Arts City Liverpool ★★★★

“Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare fan or a first time audience member, this Dream is one you’ll be happy to remember when you wake up in the morning.”

 

LISTING INFORMATION:

 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Romeo and Juliet

 

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:

Wednesday 11 April:      7.30pm Romeo and Juliet

Thursday 12 April:           1.30pm Romeo and Juliet /7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Friday 13 April:                 7.30pm Romeo and Juliet

Saturday 14 April:           1.30pm Romeo and Juliet /7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream (post show Q&A)

Tuesday 17 April:             7.30pm Romeo and Juliet

Wednesday 18 April:      1.30pm Romeo and Juliet /7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Thursday 19 April:           1.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream /7.30pm Romeo and Juliet

Friday 20 April:                 7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Saturday 21 April:           1.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream /7.30pm Romeo and Juliet (post show Q&A)

TICKET PRICES:

£16 Matinee Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday

£18 Evening Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday

£16 Matinee Friday

£21 Evening Friday

£19 Matinee Saturday

£21 Evening Saturday

£26 Two Show Off Peak Ticket

£32 Two Show Peak Ticket

School Workshop plus Ticket £20 and 1 in 10 go free

School group booking 1 in 10 go free

Venue Details

The Epstein Theatre

Hanover House

85 Hanover Street

Liverpool

L1 3DZ

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 2pm – 6pm Monday – Thursday and 12pm-6pm Friday – Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy

For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.