Theatre and film director Nicholai La Barrie will make his Royal Exchange Manchester debut with a fiery retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous love story.
Romeo and Juliet (October 20-November 18) is inspired by young people and his visits to schools across Greater Manchester, embracing the vitality and diversity of the city and the "city’s ability to wear its heart on its sleeve".
Playing Romeo will be Manchester actor Conor Glean - last seen at the Exchange in Mother Courage and Her Children, while opposite him will be Shalisha James-Davis – best known to TV audiences for her regular role as Paige Alcott in BBC drama Casualty.
This contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet is a love-letter to Manchester, a celebration of youth, love and aspiration.
Nicholai said, "The thing that excites me most is about taking this epic story and making it personal, like you really know them.
"The things this story teaches us are as relevant today as it was when it was written and no matter how tragic it is, this love story still has immense hope at its heart."
The cast is completed by Geoffrey Aymer, Ike Bennett, Adam Fenton, Kate Hampson, Dominic Holmes, David Judge, Ashley O'Brien, Daniel Poyser and Gemma Ryan.
More info and tickets here