This time, Verona tells its story… 

Shakespeare–In–Between: Romeo & Juliet is a new Australian play written and created by Scott Jackson and Sorcha Breen. The original concept is by Scott Jackson and it brings to life a whole new perspective of this classic play. In this original work, find out more about Verona’s townsfolk, discover new characters and how they have been impacted by our star cross’d lovers. This play is all about the parts you have never seen before in one of Shakespeare’s classics. 

Shakespeare–In–Between: Romeo & Juliet will take a famous line such as “Do you bite your thumb at us, Sir” and do a deep dive into the far reaching consequences of one of classical theatre’s most ancient disputes. Theatregoers will get to see this new work outdoors on the grounds of St Kilda Southport Uniting Church in South Melbourne. The church is a formidable backdrop with its bluestone, trees and shrubbery to provide the perfect setting for this story to unfold. 

Written during the latter part of the pandemic, Scott and Sorcha have carefully developed this play over several years with the help of some of Australia’s most experienced performers in a series of workshops. 

Over the years Scott Jackson has been a familiar face in Melbourne classical theatre circles performing with the Australian Shakespeare Company, Melbourne Playback Theatre Company, Essence Theatre Productions and Sheoak Productions to name a few. He has performed in countless plays and now guides the next generation of performers in his workshops around Victoria. This play marks his debut as Creator and Director. 

Sorcha Breen has a number of playwriting credits under her belt. This is not the first time Sorcha has expanded on Shakespeare’s works. In 2015 and 2017, she developed the script and performed in I Am Katherine, a play that turned The Taming of The Shrew’s main themes on its head. Sorcha is a long time ensemble member of Ozact Shakespeare (Ozact Theatre Company) and now forms part of Ozact’s leadership as Vice-President just as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary. 

Sorcha says: ‘Scott told me about his idea after one of his shows. It was at a time when outdoor theatre was an important reprieve during the pandemic. I immediately knew I wanted to be part of its creation. My mind was reeling about all the people in Verona that were impacted by powerful and wealthy families fighting one another since time immemorial. What did the average person do? What were they thinking? I’ve known and worked with Scott for many years. Extracting his ideas and putting them to paper was a creatively fulfilling elixir. I’m really proud of this play and I’m deeply grateful to all the people who contributed to its shape.’ 

Shakespeare–In–Between: Romeo & Juliet actor Helen Hopkins has joined the ensemble in the leading roles of Nurse and Lively Helena. Helen says: ‘Sorcha and Scott know the original play so intimately and their script is wonderfully inventive and full of surprising characters. It’s a delight to bring their beautiful work to fruition.‘ 

Shakespeare-In-Between: Romeo & Juliet is brought to life by a strong and talented cast featuring Jett Chudleigh, William Hassall, Scott Middleton, Oscar Morphew, Claire Nicholls, Renee Palmer, Wolfgang Reed, Myles Tankle, Helen Hopkins and Seon Williams. 

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Shakespeare In-Between: Romeo & Juliet | Humanitix