Connor Delves, who originated the role in New York and Washington D.C., plays Mercutio in Starcrossed, a fresh and sexy twist on one of the world’s most famous love stories.
Starcrossed reveals the intrigue and passion of a forbidden romance between ‘Romeo & Juliet’ characters Mercutio and Tybalt – forged in strife, stifled by circumstance and silenced by history.
Connor Delves is joined by Tommy Sim’aan as Tybalt, Gethin Alderman as The Player and Ed Tunningley as understudy. Starcrossed is at Wilton’s Music Hall 1st to 25th June 2022.
You’re starring in ‘Starcrossed’ at Wilton’s Music Hall, what can you tell us about the show?
I am! Lucky me! ‘Starcrossed’ is a tale of forbidden love and a yearning for connection. In the world of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, we focus on the untold love story of Tybalt and Mercutio. Somewhat brilliantly, it runs parallel to the original text, weaving in and out of Shakespeare’s dialogue, along with new text by Rachel Garnet.
In three words? Love. Living. Connection. I think it really speaks to internal conflicts in an individual’s personal life, as affected by outside factors. We know of these characters of course, but in our play we get to meet the people. ‘Starcrossed’ doesn’t shy away from lust, conflict and tragedy. It embraces it as part of the life these people lead. It’s a scintillating piece for us on the inside…we cannot wait to share it with audiences.
You’re playing Mercutio, tell us more about this show’s version of the character?
I think this Mercutio is a really full and expanded version of the glimpses we get in ‘Romeo and Juliet’. He is daring, whip-smart, cheeky and lives almost completely in the now. His humour and wit is certainly a driving factor of his personality but there is a man behind all of that, that is unsure of how to love.
He knows passion and lust, absolutely, but what else? The play gives Mercutio that chance to see what could be. He is a brave man who walks on a tightrope at all times…for better or worse. He slinks between people and places in a deeply fluid way…which I think only adds to the conflict and change he experiences when he meets Tybalt in a different circumstance to what one might expect.
And you’ve already taken on this role when ‘Starcrossed’ premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival, why were you keen to return to the role?
I have! Gosh it all seems like so long ago really, with a global pandemic in between! We did New York Fringe First, a New York reading, and then a production on the DC Fringe. The time away from the text (and the stage in general of course) gives a whole new perspective and appreciation for the text that only adds to the experience. It’s all sitting deeper in me than ever before and for that “percolation time” I’m really grateful.
There was absolutely no question about returning to the role if I was given the chance to. I think there is so much more to find and explore. I was absolutely determined to see this play through to the production it deserved and this new UK team is a dream. Mercutio sits very close to my heart, both as a person and character that I get to play. I want to do him justice, because I think what he stands for is what so many of us strive towards. Absolute passion and feeling. I’m thrilled this show is receiving a UK premiere and I couldn’t be more grateful to be here for it.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you with this role?
The temptation of course is to lean too heavily into the jokester/jester side of Mercutio. It’s certainly there and a big part of him, but there is also a lot going on underneath. I’m really interested in exploring the full arc of this wonderful man’s story in the show, not just the exterior cover. It’s a challenge of course to explore this range, but one that I welcome and relish in.
Why do you think this approach of reimagining Shakespeare’s verse for the modern age and exploring other characters has been so successful?
Rachel. Garnet. Is the answer to that question. We are dealing with a super mind here…and I don’t say that lightly. Rachel’s mind is truly incredible. The way Rachel weaves her text through segments of the original is inspiring and thrilling to play. It’s absolutely accessible in its messaging, without ever simplifying the language story, or complicated lives of these individuals.
Its success comes from its humanity. These are human stories, perhaps never, or rarely shown in classic texts. The team are all deeply invested in this text and I think in honoring Rachel (and Shakespeare’s) words, it will resonate with London audiences. The team for this UK premiere really is filled with unbelievable talent. I’m honored to be amongst their ranks. We really hope people love it as much as we do.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see ‘Starcrossed’?
I say…thank you! Thank you for considering a new daring play that explores classical text in a new way! I’m always really thankful to theatregoers…without live audiences our medium doesn’t exist.
Aside from that I would say, DO IT! These are stories with a level of humanity that resonate with modern audiences, despite being set many years ago. There is a story at heart here that brings an incredible perspective to a time and play we all thought we knew so well. This is a sexy and intimate story fuelled with love and hate. What more could you want? Other than a G&T at interval….Well you can get that too, so do both! Hope to see you there.
Starcrossed, starring Connor Delves, is at Wilton’s Music Hall 1st to 25th June 2022.
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