An alternative look at the lives of Romeo and Juliet at Chipping Norton Theatre

A Tender Thing runs at The Theatre from Thursday May 3 to Saturday May 12 and is presented by the venue’s Home
Grown group.

Ben Power’s play imagines the star-crossed lovers at the end of long lives together. Shakespeare’s original words are woven together into a new story of loyalty, loss and enduring love.

It stars Suzanna Hamilton, who played Julia in the film version of 1984 opposite John Hurt and Felicity in the film version of Out of Africa, and who is a familiar face from performances in Casualty, Silent Witness and Jonathan Creek.

Joining her is Patrick Driver, a regular at The Globe Theatre starring in Measure for Measure, The Heresy of Love, As You Like It, Julius Caesar and The Taming of The Shrew. Driver also starred in the award-winning The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-time at the Apollo Theatre in the West End and is no stranger to television screens, appearing in Call the Midwife, EastEnders and Silent Witness.

Producer Will Treasure said: “Ben Power has created a very powerful piece.

“We, as an audience, join the star-crossed lovers well into their future, after a very long happy life together and witness a deeply romantic story of loyalty, loss and enduring love.

“Our unique venue lends itself perfectly to the story of these two lovers and will ensure a production steeped in atmosphere and intimacy.”

The play is directed by John Terry. Having grown up in south Oxfordshire, John arrived at his new home, The Theatre Chipping Norton, in 2008, where he has directed numerous productions including The Kreutzer Sonata, My Mother Said I Never Should, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, The GlassMenagerie, Alarms and Excursions, and the national tours of Around the World in 80 Days and Stones in His Pockets.

There will be post-show talks on May 8 and 12.

Tickets cost £15, £12 for concessions and £5 for those aged under 26. Visit chippingnortontheatre.com or call 01608 642350 to book.