Young talent and young love in Romeo and Juliet

Zoe West and Alicia Forde in the Everyman's Romeo and Juliet.

Liverpool's Everyman theatre continues the tradition of putting a contemporary spin on Shakespeare - as well as opening up opportunities for local talent - with a new production of Romeo and Juliet (September 13-October 4) directed by one of the venue's former student directors, Ellie Hurt.

Since completing the Young Everyman Playhouse (YEP) course for directors, Ellie has created shows for venues across the UK, including Chester's Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Shakespeare North Playhouse and the National Theatre.

Now she’s back at the theatre she calls home: "Directing Romeo and Juliet at the Everyman feels like a full-circle moment. I started here with the YEP course, and it's special to be back: I’m excited to bring a fresh approach to one of my favourite Shakespeare plays."

United by passion but forced apart by their families, Romeo and Juliet are young lovers who must transform their present to forge a beautiful tomorrow. But with their feuding households locked in a deep-rooted cycle of violence and hate, is it possible to win the loved-up future they crave?

Alicia Forde plays Juliet and Zoe West is Romeo, with the cast also featuring Joe Alessi as Capulet, Elliot Broadfoot as Mercutio, Eithne Browne as the Friar, Ebony Feare as Nurse, Kelise Gordon-Harrison as Benvolio and Milo McCarthy as Tybalt.

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse’s creative director, Nathan Powell, said, "The theatre has a strong tradition of Shakespeare productions that challenge stereotypes and reflect the world around us. From Golda Rosheuvel’s Othello to Cynthia Erivo as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, we’ve found new ways of telling these classic stories and making them sing for new audiences.

"I’m doubly excited to be welcoming back Ellie Hurt, a brilliant example of YEP’s talent development, making waves in UK theatre and promoting Merseyside talent beyond the North-West."

More info and tickets here