Page 498 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

That isn’t to say this will be accessible to everyone. The budget was large

enough to require angel investors, and Metcalfe also relied on a wealth of

technical expertise. However, if Romeo and Juliet can achieve even a
fraction of the viewing figures enjoyed by the likes of National Theatre

Live, Fleabag or Hamilton on Disney Plus, there is a chance of commercial

viability and a model of producing new work that other producers will want

to explore.

Whether it proves profitable or not, it certainly offers much-needed
employment as well as creative innovation. Against the backdrop of the

current crisis, a percentage of ticket sales will also be donated to actors’

charity Acting for Others.

And although he is clearly enthused by the technological leap they are

taking, Metcalfe is also realistic about the limitations of digital technology

to compensate for the ‘real thing’. “It won’t ever replicate the magic of live

theatre, but I think it gets close,” he says. “I’m really excited to see the

response.”

Romeo and Juliet runs from February 13 to 27.

Details: romeojuliet2021.com