The Rebirth of Shakespeare on Stage Through Your Favourite Screen Stars
William Shakespeare’s undeniable talent has been explored in various unique ways through all forms of media, often aiming to make his work accessible to a wider audience. The popularity of romantic-comedy films based on Shakespeare’s plays, Anyone But You (based on Much Ado About Nothing) and She’s the Man (based on Twelfth Night) to name a couple, has birthed a new community of fans for the playwright without its members even realising. However, the current portrayals of Shakespeare are breathing a new life into his work in its original form – the stage.
In 2024, both Tom Holland and Kit Connor attempted to portray the iconic role of Romeo in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in London’s West End and on Broadway, respectively. Holland worked with Jamie Lloyd, an expressionist director whose self-titled company is known for its distinctive minimalism, with the casts’ costumes consisting of casual hoodies and jeans and little props appearing on stage. Connor stars alongside Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and director Sam Gold. The circular stage and modern costumes give this performance its uniqueness. Still, it is Connor’s portrayal of Romeo that has sparked dialogue about the show all over the internet…we have all seen his (unintentionally) iconic pull-up to meet his Juliet. Indeed, Connor has got people wanting to see more of this show.
Connor and Holland are examples of ‘the internet’s boyfriends’. The Spiderman and Heartstopper actors are followed closely by their ever-growing fanbases, from their relationships to appearances and, importantly, their work. The star status of these actors has positively brought a new wave of fans that will pay to see a Shakespeare production. The queues to get tickets for both shows were endless, with many being disappointed in missing out. There is a huge popularity for the shows. However, it is difficult to determine whether this apparent popularity is for the theatre and Shakespeare, or simply for the star talent of the cast…
Arguably, the answer to this question is relatively open. The undeniable reality is that actors like Holland and Connor are bringing audiences back to the theatre. Of course, celebrities have long had a career on stage, and with Shakespeare (Leonardo DiCaprio’s Romeo is an unforgettable example!), plus, theatre is greatly popular amongst many already. However, in the context of the modern day and the huge presence of technology, the importance of these shows is perhaps greater than ever. The popularity of in-person theatre was certainly at risk after the isolation of COVID-19 but has undoubtedly made a comeback. Instead of only accessing recordings on our devices, audiences are showing up in person for something they may have never thought about watching due to the leading man being their celebrity crush. Often, they’re unexpectedly in awe of Shakespeare’s writing talent and the great capability of theatre, reinvigorating a love for the classic literature amongst a new audience.
In the past, theatre access has been a privilege for the higher classes of society, with ticket prices reaching unaffordable prices for the average working person. In many ways, this remains true, but theatre companies are trying to change this and further the popularity of theatre and Shakespeare. Lloyd’s production of Romeo and Juliet offered a £25 scheme, offering affordable tickets to NHS workers and under 30s. As a result, thousands more were able to witness Shakespeare on stage, offering a new experience of the play to those often snubbed of the opportunity. Likewise, the presence of these famous actors has broadened the opportunity and audience for the rest of the play’s lesser-known, but equally talented cast. For example, Holland’s castmate Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (portraying Juliet) was praised by The Hollywood Reporter as being the “fiercely independent pulse of the production”, with the play deserving to be a “star-making turn” for the gifted actress.
Today’s stage adaptations of Shakespeare’s virtuosity have certainly given a wider audience a greater appreciation for theatre, like breathing a new life into the playwright’s timeless craft. Despite the initial draw perhaps coming from the A-list actors’ contributions, a new, younger audience has become more engaged in other forms of communication and art, rather than only what they can access through their screens. We will likely see even more Shakespeare in popular culture after the success of these modern takes on his work and the presence of admired actors in these productions. Perhaps today’s younger generations will be enticed to seek participation in theatre and literature, aiding the arts and theatre industries to thrive; any confidence and creativity that may have been dimmed by the pandemic will shine brighter than ever. This can only be interpreted as a positive impact on society and the endurance of theatre.
