Making a welcome return to the Melbourne stage after only four years, John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet consolidates its position as a treasured favourite of dancers and audiences alike. 

Staged for this season by Yseult Lendvai and Mark Kay, the performance is brimming with youthful joy, all too brutally offset by the weight of tragedy.  Festival scenes are joyously buoyant, the Capulet Ball is ostentatiously splendid, and sword fighting is thrillingly visceral. 

The sumptuous revival grandly fills the Regent Theatre, the handsome scenic design of Jürgen Rose amply filling the space. Smooth transitions between multiple scenes and settings gives a comparable sense of spectacle to the best Broadway-style productions seen at the the same theatre. While it must be noted that floorspace for the Capulet Ball is a little cramped, all other scenes have abundant room to breathe. 

Guest conductor Jessica Gethin (Principal Conductor of the West Australian Ballet) makes the strongest possible impression, leading Orchestra Victoria in a richly detailed performance of Prokofiev’s vibrant score. By turns dreamily romantic and blazingly dramatic, the music has a striking sense of momentum, which Gethin delivers in thrilling style. Strings convey plaintive longing while booming brass, particularly trombones, enhances dramatic intensity.

Lovingly restored for the 2022 revival, Rose’s costumes add colourful spectacle whilst vividly supporting storytelling. Formal ball attire gleams with splendour while carnival street wear is merrily festive. A delightful touch is the combination of cloak and full head scarf that the women wear when arriving and departng the ball – très camp!

In arguably his strongest performance since joining the company, Joseph Caley gives a superbly well rounded portrayal of Romeo, expertly balancing boyishness, heroism, romanticism, and poignancy. It helps that Caley is perfectly partnered by Soloist Grace Carroll as Juliet. Graceful and winsome, Carroll captures the sheer youthful innocence of dear Juliet, her effortless elegance in dance strengthened by Caley’s sturdiest possible support. 

Drew Hedditch gives something of a breakout performance as Mercutio, commanding his scenes with pristine dance, delightful humour, and dashing swordplay. Cameron Holmes more than capably rounds out the Montague trio as the playful Benvolio. 

Jarryd Madden deftly contrasts the fiery Tybalt with the rambunctious Montagues, proving a commanding presence in full company dance and a suitably intimidating force in battle. Jett Ramsay brings a tender sweetness to the pretty Paris. 

Stephen Baynes imbues Friar Lawrence with gentle dignity. Gillian Revie brings generous warmth to the loveable Nurse. Stephen Heathcote is nobility personified as Lord Capulet, while Serena Graham equally infuses Lady Capulet with stately elegance. 

One of the most thrilling works in the ballet canon, Romeo and Juliet is seen and heard at its very best in this impeccable production. 

Romeo and Juliet plays at Regent Theatre, Melbourne until 16 June 2026. For tickets, click here. 

Romeo and Juliet casting for the Melbourne season can be read online. 

Romeo and Juliet plays at Lyric Theatre, QPAC until 15-22 August 2026. For tickets, click here.

Photos: Daniel Boud (Sydney)