Director of the West End revival of Romeo & Juliet, Jamie Lloyd, recently issued a statement denouncing a disturbing incident of racial abuse directed at a cast member of the production. The theater company associated with the show expressed their dismay over the online harassment faced by one of their artists and emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all involved.
The production, set to open at London's Duke of York's Theatre on May 23 and run through August, features a talented cast including Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet, Freema Agyeman as the nurse, Michael Balogun as the friar, Tomiwa Edun as Capulet, Mia Jerome as Montague, Daniel Quinn-Toye as Count Paris, and Ray Sesay as Tybalt.
Lloyd's statement, shared on social media, highlighted the company's commitment to standing against any form of abuse and ensuring the well-being of their team members. The decision to disable comments on the production's Instagram page reflects their zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment.
Lead actor Tom Holland, known for his role in 'Billy Elliot: The Musical,' will make his return to the stage in this highly anticipated revival. Despite the unfortunate incident, the company remains focused on their rehearsals and the creative process, aiming to deliver a memorable performance for audiences.