This April, Hackney Empire will host a bold new production of Romeo and Juliet, blending Shakespeare’s original text with rap, R&B, and spoken word.
A co-production between Belgrade Theatre Coventry, where the production will have its world premiere from 21 February – 8 March, and Bristol Old Vic where it will play from 12 March – 5 April, this Romeo and Juliet features original music by That’s A Rap and A Class, and promises to bring the poetry of rap rhythms and contemporary beats to Shakespeare’s most famous love story.
This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, largely unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.
Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.
The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think every day English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.
For the first time, these young musicians from Hackney Empire’s Creative Futures programme will perform as part of a professional theatre tour, bringing a fresh and contemporary energy to the show’s groundbreaking musical score.
Elijah Raheem Aduu (known as ERA – guitar), Mark Holder (drums) and D’evante Seepaul-Craig (keyboard) developed their skills through Hackney Empire’s Creative Futures programme, a pioneering participation initiative that has worked with over 20,000 young people in the last 20 years. After taking part in the Artist Development Programme (ADP) and other key Creative Futures projects, they have now been invited to join the professional band for the entire Romeo and Juliet tour, performing at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Bristol Old Vic, and Hackney Empire.
Elijah Raheem Aduu (ERA), said, “When I got sent the soundtrack, I fell in love with it immediately. I’ve been listening to it non-stop, and at this point, I just can’t wait to play.”
Mark Holder added, “Being on ADP showed me how theatre works. Now, I can use that experience to move forward with confidence. Hackney Empire has developed my leadership skills and musicianship. It’s really great to have had people who have faith in me—now I can have faith in myself and take these opportunities.”
Throughout the production, they will be mentored by Joseph Roberts, Director of Hackney Empire’s Community Choir, who will support their development as young musicians working professionally in theatre.
Joseph Roberts says, “I work with the young musicians of today so they can have a tomorrow, by giving them the best head start in the business of music.”
Hackney Empire is also thrilled to announce an additional 2pm matinee performance on 26 April as part of their ‘Entry for All’ scheme, which provides free tickets for anyone aged 25 and under and those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to attend. Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Entry for All is designed to break down barriers to live theatre, ensuring that young people and underserved communities have access to high-profile performances. This performance will also be BSL Interpreted.
Tickets for Entry for All are free but must be applied for here.
