Katy Stephens appears in Creation Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre’s expansive multi-platform digital production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
Mixing live real-time performance, pre-filmed scenes and choose your own adventure style gameplay the audience, in true Creation Theatre style, are at the very heart of the action. The show will be immersive, fast paced and intimate.
Fate and destiny skills will be put to the test upon entering Verona. Audiences will find themselves at the Capulet party, caught up in the drama they will journey through a multitude of different theatrical pathways and unlock secret moments and experiences. With at least one hundred possible variations, individuals will decide outcomes and see a unique and enthralling show influenced by their choices. Romeo & Juliet runs 12th – 23rd May 2021. Tickets are on sale here.
You’re appearing in this unique game play version of Romeo & Juliet, what can you tell us about it?
Well, I guess most people know the story of these ill-fated, star-crossed lovers but what’s extraordinary about Creation Theatre and Natasha Rickman’s production is that you, the audience, get to play a hand in fate and key, pivotal moments in the story will become your responsibility. You will decide which paths will be taken.
What makes this production so different from other versions of the play?
The amazing technology Creation are working with has enabled this wonderful fusion of film and live performance and I’m seeing stuff in rehearsals that just blows my mind. The creative possibilities are endless and the ‘multi-versing’ (which is what we’re calling the different possible strands of the narrative) changes the characters’ stories. They have the chance to redeem themselves, be happy and even, in this well-known tragedy, live rather than die.
Why do you think Romeo & Juliet is a good for this kind of choose your own adventure style?
I think everyone wants Romeo and Juliet to live and be happy and feels utter frustration when the adults miss opportunities or messages do not arrive in time – those ‘sliding door’ moments in life but for one single exchange or moment, things could’ve been different? Imagine having the chance to go back and change it? Well, in this version, audiences can.
Why were you keen to work with Creation Theatre?
I’ve watched and loved Creation’s work for years, my dearest friend Clare Humphrey, who has also been cast in this production, has worked a lot for them over the years and seeing their shows in Oxford, where they are based, was always our New Year’s Eve night out treat. They are so innovative and dynamic, and Natasha Rickman is an extremely clever artist and director, so I was very keen to work with her. Creation’s transition to online performance has been one of the most successful I’ve seen and their work, thankfully is now accessible to a much wider audience.
You’ve played many leading Shakespearian characters at the RSC and The Globe, what new challenges will this production bring for you?
I would certainly say that learning the different strands of the narrative, the multi-versing, has been a challenge!!! I’ve played some huge roles but this is something else! I was worried that forging with the rest of the company (we are all also working from our own homes!) would be more difficult but it isn’t. There’s still the same amount of support and same amount of laughing, just not the same amount of pub!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Romeo & Juliet?
Grab this opportunity to see this company’s work, it’s easy as you don’t even have to go anywhere. And it will be a chance to see Romeo and Juliet as you’ve never seen it before, or rather how you ‘choose’ to see it.
