British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Romeo and Juliet: Beyond Words

Synopsis
Feature-length adaptation of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s version of the Prokofiev ballet starring William Bracewell as Romeo, Francesca Hayward as Juliet with members of The Royal Ballet. Shakespeare’s story is told entirely through dance with sound effects but no dialogue and features the original 1965 production’s costume designs by Nicholas Georgiadis. The Sergei Prokofie score, newly-recorded, has been cut to fit the film’s 90-minute running time.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Television
Year of release
2019
Transmission details
1 Jan 2020 (Channel: BBC2)
Duration
90 mins

Credits

Director
Michael Nunn
Cinematographer
William Trevitt
Writer
Michael Nunn; William Trevitt
Music
Sergei Prokofiev
Costume
Nicholas Georgiadis
Choreographer
Kenneth MacMillan
Cast
William BracewellRomeo
Francesca HaywardJuliet
Marcelino SambéMercutio
Bennet GartsideFriar Laurence
Romany PajdakNurse
Christopher SaundersCapulet
James HayBenvolio
Kristen McNallyLady Capulet
Matthew BallTybalt
Tomas MockParis

Additional Details

Theatre company
The Royal Ballet
Production type
Dance
Historical period
Renaissance Italy
Plays
Romeo and Juliet
Subjects
Dance; Drama; Music; Shakespeare

Notes

Notes
The music was recorded at AIR Studios in Hampstead, London, with The Royal Opera House orchestra, conducted by Koen Kessels. The Concert Master was Vasko Vassilev.
General
Filmed on location in Budapest, Hungary.
History
Shown in UK cinemas for one night only on 16 December 2019 before premiering television on 1 January 2020 on BBC 2.

Production Company

Name

Footwork Films

Email
nike@footworkfilmsltd.com
Phone
07950 826947
Notes
Michael Nunn & William Trevitt, directors

Sponsor

Name

BBC

Notes
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Distributor (DVD)

Name

Opus Arte

Email
opusarte@roh.org.uk
Web
https://www.opusarte.com/ External site opens in new window
Address
Royal Opera House
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9DD

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