I love The Dome Corn Exchange with its up close and personal performance space. I used to relish the engagement a studio space gave me as an actor back in the day. This intimate staging is perfect for the therapy event to which Juliet and Romeo have invited us, the audience. They’ve tried every type of therapy they could think of but nothing has stuck and, despite their last therapist telling them it was a dreadful idea, they’ve gone ahead and here we are. You feel as though, when Emily Terndrup as Juliet and John Kendall as Romeo explain the process to us, that it’s really their last-ditch attempt at solving the issues in their relationship.
Back track a bit here : Romeo and Juliet did not die in a tragic bungled ‘suicide’ as per William Shakespeare’s telling of the tale but, as a newly married couple, they escaped to Paris to start a new life and family. Lost Dog Dance ’s Ben Duke has a remarkable vision as creator in this show and there are many in the audience who have seen previous productions about which they share with each other – in this case in the ladies’ loos. Where else do I pick up extra background? Come on chaps, you really need to up your game and start chatting to each other over the urinals!
We find the couple in their 40s with a chasm between them and considerable secrets that they independently share with us. Romeo seems less than able to engage in this new attempt to save their marriage. However, Juliet has jumped in feet first with energy and enthusiasm. What emerges is a wonderful blending of script, dance and comedy from these remarkable performers.
Tendrup and Kendall move seamlessly between script and dance which is testament to the amount of work that has gone into this production in the studio with Duke. If possible, I would recommend staying for the Q&A with the performers, if offered, to find out more about that as it informs you as to how they were involved in the process. The dance pieces are free form, as in their discovery of each other’s bodies on arrival in their new home, and more choreographed pieces.
Each is a perfect reflection of their emotions. The point in which they lose their first child is heartbreaking with Romeo trying to encourage a devastated Juliet out of her shock and mourning into a positive look toward the future. The dance starts with an inequality of movement with, understandably Juliet unable to truly engage but ending with them moving in synchronicity and hope.
You find yourself vacillating between laughter and tears as the couple share their memories with us but you quickly discover that their recollections of these events which they re-enact are very different. Juliet is stuck in time to some extent, replaying the point of her ‘death’ which Romeo finds infuriating, but it is that pivotal point that secrets have been held and not shared. Romeo constantly avoids engaging in the death scene, like when he pops out to the supermarket, which is symptomatic of his inability to confront what is wrong in this complex relationship. They’ve both been pulled out of their known, comfortable and privileged lives into one of domestic drudgery at a young age with only each other as navigators. “I’m Juliet. I’m a Capulet!” Terndrup screams at a traffic warden in fury, indignation and frustration at his issuing her a parking ticket. It has come to this point, and even without a privileged background, those of us with families recognise those lows only too well.
The music and the lighting reflect and create the atmosphere and emotions perfectly in this stripped-down set.
The ending is very poignant with Juliet alone at a mic where we finally hear Emily Terndrup’s singing voice which is delightful. Where do they go from here? Well, that’s up to you and your own take on the story.
Ultimately, it is a perfect jewel of a show which is running until Saturday which I strongly recommend you catch.
Tickets
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange
12th-14th November 2026
From £20.50
