By Conrad Brunner

The outdoor Shakespeare at the Brighton Festival is upping sticks, switching from St Nicholas Rest Garden to the brand new Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) on Dyke Road, opening with a six show run of Romeo And Juliet on Wednesday 13 May. 

We caught an advance showing of this Globe Theatre On Tour production at the Connaught Theatre, Worthing, and we bring back good news: this is vivid, emotionally-charged, action-packed Shakespeare for all the family.

The look is a hipster Verona, with more facial hair and tattoos than a Shoreditch creative conference. It is cleverly directed to give the impression of a revolving stage, but it’s the actors who circulate the rusty climbing frame set.

The tragic themes are balanced by wit and music making, with outbursts of jolting violence.

Two standout performances give this show its edge. Steffan Donnelly plays a louche and sarcastic Mercutio, relishing the anti-romantic role which he delivers with impeccable diction. Donnelly has that Welsh thing that just makes Shakespeare so much more comprehensible.

Newcomer Cassie Layton is a delightful Juliet, taking a potentially simpering role and imparting it with all the headstrong impetuosity of youth. You really felt for the poor love as it all unravels in the final act. Sobs were heard.