Romeo & Juliet
The adaptation fully realises the characters of the lovers and brings to life their world: the sound, heat and colour of Verona, Romeo and Juliet's star-bright love set against the dark threat of the feud between their families, and the ever-increasing speed at which events hurry the lovers to their inevitable fate. It also, through the inclusion of the Narrator ensures that Romeo and Juliet themselves do not remain literary creations distant from the 21st century.
Box Clever Theatre
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Director: Hal chambers
Adaptation: Michael Wicherek,
Oneness Sankara
Production Manager: Pip Thurlow
Production Photos
Costume Drawing
Jacket Making
Waistcoat Making
Design process
This costume design is tailored for a touring production of Romeo and Juliet. After an in-depth analysis of the script, we decided to adopt a style that seamlessly blends modern and period elements. This approach not only respects the play’s historical context but also adds a fresh, contemporary twist.
To convey the wealth and status of the characters, we chose luxurious materials like velvet and incorporated gold buttons as subtle yet impactful details. The costumes are primarily sourced, with key pieces such as a jacket and waistcoat being custom-made to ensure both accuracy and a perfect fit.
When sourcing, I focused on finding garments that strike a balance between period authenticity and modern aesthetics. I believe that attention to detail is crucial in bringing characters to life; elements like buttons and brooches can significantly enhance a costume’s uniqueness and character depth.
Fitting the costumes to the actors' bodies was another priority. Careful consideration was given to proportions and lengths to ensure each piece not only looks great but also supports the actors' performances. Given that this production is for touring, the durability and ease of wear of the costumes were also critical factors. The show involves a lot of movement, so I reinforced areas prone to wear, such as the crotch, to ensure they are both strong and flexible, allowing actors to move smoothly without compromising the integrity of the costume.