After ten years of sold out shows in London, Backyard Cinemas are this year taking their adaptation of the iconic 1996 film, Baz Luhramann’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ on tour.
The first stop on the tour began on Monday at Manchester's historic Albert Hall, with its stained-glass windows and mesmerizing decorative features, it is the perfect setting for one of the greatest love stories ever told.
I was lucky to be invited to the opening night on Monday, and on arrival the stage was adorned with large neon lit crosses and hundreds of flickering pillar candles and floral displays, and the scene was perfectly set as the evening began with a lively introduction to the story that is about to unfold.
This led us into the first performance from the choir and musicians, with their voices capturing the audience from the first upbeat notes, the crowd were quickly on their feet enthusiastically clapping along.
As the film is then screened, strategic breaks allow for the musical ensemble to return to the stage for a further two performances, featuring songs such as ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ and ‘Kissing You’, and the acoustics of the hall enhanced the whole experience.
As the final scenes of the film are played out, the choir return for a final time, closing the show with their rendition of ‘When Doves Cry’.
A magnificent, goosebump inducing performance which led to a standing ovation, with the sounds of rapturous applause of the audience filling a full to capacity Albert Hall.
The bringing together of film, music and storytelling at its very best, with the lively chatter from the crowd as they left the venue, was a huge testament to the great job done by all involved in the production.
Following their Manchester performances which end this Saturday, Backyard Cinemas will be taking ‘Romeo & Juliet’ to St Georges Hall, Liverpool (September 9th-15th 2024) and Central Hall, Southampton (October 23rd-26th 2024).
I'd highly recommend the show, an evening of big screen entertainment fully enhanced by the choir and musicians is guaranteed.
