Rugby Theatre effort is an RSC hit

RUGBY Theatre's risk paid off with its unique production of Romeo and Juliet proving the biggest draw at Stratford's illustrious Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The company's Anglo-Polish take on Romeo and Juliet - described by its director Robert Sloan as a 'big risk' - was staged in a one-off show at the 1,100 seater RST in the Bard's home town on Sunday (July 24).

Performed as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Open Stages project and chosen from hundreds of entries, it provided a 'dream' opportunity for Rugby's amateur actors - with some of the Polish cast members having never even set foot on stage before.

The groundbreaking production, first performed in Rugby in May, saw members of the town's Polish community invited to deliver lines in their native tongue and others in English as part of a modern twist on the play.

And it paid off, with the production pulling in the biggest crowd of the day - nearly 600 people - and receiving a standing ovation at its close.

RSC artistic director Michael Boyd - the man responsible for what happens on the world famous Stratford stage - even made sure to show his appreciation by heading backstage to congratulate the Rugby Theatre cast on a job well done.

Rugby Theatre director Robert Sloan said: "It went so well and the response we got was fantastic.

"When we finished we received a standing ovation, and it was by far the most popular show on the day.

"And to have Michael Boyd come backstage to congratulate us was a really big deal. We're thrilled with how it went."

Buy photos» The balcony scene. (s)

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