Lost Dog Dance ’s ‘Juliet & Romeo’ starring Emily Terndrup as Juliet and John Kendall as Romeo – will offer audiences at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange a glimpse into the comic, surreal world of creator Ben Duke who wrote and starred in the original production back in 2018. Since then the show has been performed over 200 times across the UK, Europe, Canada, China, and New Zealand.
In Duke’s version – which combines movement, text, drama, dance and music – it turns out Shakespeare’s young lovers didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding…they grew up, got married, and moved to Paris. When we meet them they’re in their 40s and at least one of them is having a mid-life crisis. They have decided to confront their current struggles by putting on a performance…about themselves. Their therapist tells them it’s a terrible idea…but they invite the audience in anyway…
Says Ben Duke, Artistic Director of Lost Dog Dance: “I always hoped Shakespeare’s Juliet would wake up just a few moments earlier than she does; I know she never will but I can’t help hoping for it! Baz Lurhman’s film came out in 1996 (30 years ago!) and made a huge impression on me. The idea for the piece came from imagining an alternate version and, in turn, to encourage people to consider the nature of their own relationships. I think we aren’t that honest about relationships and that too many stories focus on how relationships start rather than how they continue.”
Says Emily Terndrup: “I have a huge affection for this Juliet; she’s funny, energetic and passionate but she’s also something of a fantasist and struggles with the gap between the life she imagined and the life she’s ended up with. There are aspects of her that would be challenging to live with but I love being her for the time onstage each evening.
And I can’t wait to get back to Brighton – it’s SUCH a great place. We rehearsed the first few weeks of the show in Brighton last year so our Juliet & Romeo journey started there. We had a lovely time and the Corn Exchange is such a beautiful venue – I’m really looking forward to going back.”
Says John Kendall: “I sympathise with Romeo; I think Juliet is probably the driving force behind wanting to try this latest method of understanding the relationship problems we – as Juliet and Romeo – face. Whilst not really being fully convinced Romeo is willing to try and fix the problems they both have, I feel he’s earnest and does want to make things work.
“Emily and I started learning Juliet & Romeo last summer in Brighton so our performance journey started there. We had a brilliant few weeks in Brighton: the sun was shining, the community is great and so friendly and I’m super excited to head back to perform at the beautiful old Corn Exchange.”
***** Pure pleasure…smart, subversive, sexy. (The Guardian)
***** Superb. Devastating realism and dark humour. (The Stage)
“…a unique, creative take on the classic.” (Bristol Post)
“Lost Dog’s blend of dance, physicality and comedy gives this production its unique aspect. Ben Duke uses wit and poignant observations to point to the moments when young love inevitably changes.” (BTG)
“Terndrup and Kendall are riveting to watch…” (Stage Talk)
“An innovative piece of storytelling bringing a fresh perspective on the famous play.” (Backstage Bristol)
Tickets
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange
12th-14th November 2026
From £20.50
