Shakespeare's tragic love story of the ill-fated teenage lovers Romeo and Juliet is a challenge for any company to perform.
English Touring Theatre made a brave attempt to tackle the play and make it accessible for the many schoolchildren in the audience.
Leading into the play without the chorus setting the scene was a mistake, as the opening fight between the Montague and Capulet servants was noisy and ineffective.
However, the performance rapidly improved with the introduction of a very adolescent Romeo and Juliet, strongly played by Adam Croasdell and Laura Rees, and Majorie Yates, whose portrayal of the nurse as an alcoholic was entertaining.
As Mercutio, O T Fagbenle, played the clown but this became rather wearing.
The play's emotional climax was gripping and featured a fine performance from Michael Cronin as Friar Laurence.
A simple, well designed set greatly benefited the action.
Overall, Romeo and Juliet was a sound production, enjoyable to watch and a good introduction to Shakespeare for Malvern's younger residents.
The play runs until Saturday.
JO LAFFERTY
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