The Duke of York Theatre in London’s West End recently premiered a new production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”, featuring Hollywood actor Tom Holland in the role of Romeo. The play, directed by Jamie Lloyd, opened on Monday after a minor delay from its initially scheduled Saturday start due to technical reasons requiring further preparation.

The production also stars Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet, and it features a diverse ensemble cast including Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, and Tomiwa Edun. Despite some technical simplicity and stripped-back staging that drew mixed reviews, the show has been largely praised for the performances and chemistry between the lead actors. Audience feedback noted the show’s creative approach, which includes modern and industrial design elements, as well as the use of original Shakespearean dialogue matched with casual contemporary costumes.

Attendees highlighted Holland’s triumphant return to the stage, emphasizing his strong acting abilities. Social media response was vibrant, with fans appreciating the unexpected humor and dynamic presentation of the classic tragedy. The response has been enthusiastic enough to cause tickets to sell out rapidly when they went on sale in February.

The production, however, faced controversy over its casting choices. The diverse cast led to some instances of online racial abuse, particularly targeting Amewudah-Rivers. In response, the theatre company issued a statement condemning the harassment and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting their actors. They emphasized a work environment filled with joy, compassion, and respect for all individuals involved.

“Romeo & Juliet” is set to continue its runs for 12 weeks in London before a planned transfer to Broadway later in the year.