Drama, humour and tragedy as Romeo and Juliet comes to Norwich

The tale of "a pair of star-crossed lovers" has become one of the most beloved of Shakespeare's plays, with its combination of drama, comedy and romance captivating audiences for centuries.

Now theatre-goers can watch a stunning ballet retelling of the tragedy at the Norwich Theatre Royal.

Romeo and Juliet ballet (Image: Emily Nuttall)

Romeo and Juliet is being brought to the city stage by the Northern Ballet, which is making a comeback after its critically acclaimed production was forced into early retirement when its sets and costumes were devastated by floods in 2015.

The ballet opens with a bustling marketplace in Verona where the people are getting ready for a carnival. The jubilant atmosphere soon turns sour as members of rival families - the Capulets and Montagues - clash.

Romeo and Juliet ballet (Image: Emily Nuttall)

It sets the scene for the meeting of Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, at a ball held by Juliet's parents. The two fall instantly in love.

Along with the tension of the fighting families, the romance of the doomed lovers and the humour - mainly provided by Juliet's nurse - the stunning costumes and dramatic staging make this a must-see ballet.

Romeo and Juliet ballet at Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Emily Nuttall)

Together with talented dancers, the story is vividly retold through the music and we were fortunate to have a live orchestra - which the Northern Ballet is having to replace with recorded music later this year due to funding pressures.

Tickets are still available for Romeo and Juliet, which is being performed at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday, May 18.