In my opinion, this is the greatest love story ever told. Based on a story handed down over generations, Shakespeare has written the classic love story which has stood the test of time, but has inspired numerous other shows, most notably Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story. That is a remarkable piece of work in itself, updating the story to sixties America with memorable music. Ryan O'Neil's Love Story is an even more up to date version.

A remarkable English teacher, Miss Gatiss, introduced me to Romeo and Juliet when I studied it for "0" Level. She had an ability to bring English Literature to life. This play is probably one of the best ways of introducing people, especially young people, to Shakespeare. It has it all - forbidden love, two young people who fall for each other, but are from two families that are at war with each other. Juliet, a very young, naive and innocent girl, who has had a sheltered upbringing. Romeo, one of the lads, but a pleasant, generally well behaved young man, who falls in love with a different girl almost every week!

They are aided and abetted by two adults who perhaps ought to have known better. The nurse, who has brought Juliet up from being a newborn baby, and who is practically her mother. She loves Juliet, likes Romeo, and is perhaps carried away by the sheer romance of the situation. Friar Lawrence is Romeo's mentor and spiritual counsellor. He is very fond of the boy and probably does want him to get married in order to reduce the risk of sin. He is a sensible man, and it is interesting that he gets involved in this. As the confessor of all involved, he would be very aware of the consequences of such a match. It may be that he hopes that this may be a way of healing the rift between the two families.

This is not one of the great tragedies. Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth are tragedies of personality. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy of circumstance. If the message had got through then all would have been well. However, this is a love story with a tragic ending, which has reduced audiences to tears ever since it was first performed in the 1590s.

From an actors point of view there are some dream parts. For young actors, the principle roles, Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, Tybalt, Benvolio and Paris are wonderful parts to play. For the mature actor, Nurse, Lady Capulet, Friar Lawrence, Prince Escales and Lord Capulet are equally satisfying to play. If I were not directing, then I would have loved to have played one of the three latter mentioned parts. Even for the support cast there is a lot of fun and action - especially for the servants.

From my point of view, it has been one of my life long ambitions to direct Romeo and Juliet. To do so in this marvellous open-air theatre, with a superb cast, and wonderful support from colleagues in this prestigious company is a tremendous privilege. I sincerely hope that you will enjoy it as much as I have.

Aidan Hervey
Director