Five questions with Clare Perkins of 'Romeo & Juliet'
Equally at home on stage or screen, this brilliant actor has reignited her love for Shakespeare — and now stars as the Nurse in Romeo & Juliet.
Summary
- Clare Perkins is starring with Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe in Romeo & Juliet in the West End
- Performances run until 20 June
- She reunites with director Robert Icke following Player Kings
Clare Perkins has an extensive screen and stage career, with roles in plays such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Emilia. She is now starring with Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe in Robert Icke's visionary new adaptation of Shakespeare's great tragic love story: Romeo & Juliet.
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You’ve worked across theatre, TV, and film — what keeps drawing you back to the stage?
I left drama college in 1985 and I think back then most of us wanted to be on the stage or in a rep company. There were so many companies doing extraordinary new work it lit a fire in me for the stage that has yet to be quenched. I just love it, new plays, different theatres, working with different directors even touring! I’ve been very lucky.
You often play strong, grounded women — like the Nurse. What attracts you to those characters?
Those are the parts I get offered, along with angry and crazy! I’m attracted to any whole, rounded characters with a good story arc.
What is it about the story of Romeo & Juliet that still fascinates us?
I think Romeo & Juliet still fascinates us because we all remember what it’s like to be young and in love. Also, doomed love, tragic love, dying for love is always a great story — the other side of “rom-com”.
Tell us about working with this extraordinary cast.
The cast are amazing, at the read-through Noah [Jupe] and Sadie [Sink] were off book, I was astounded. They have worked so hard and their performances and energy are incredible, everyone in the show is supportive and talented, and they’re all so young! Well, mostly...
What have you learned from director Robert Icke?
I really like working with Rob. He’s so damn smart and continually gives brilliant insights and suggestions about the character, the play, and the nature of theatre in general. He’s also very funny and a great mimic. Doing Player Kings and now Romeo & Juliet [with Icke] has given me back a love for Shakespeare.
Book Romeo & Juliet tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
This article first appeared in the May 2026 issue of London Theatre Magazine.
Photo credit: Clare Perkins. (Courtesy of production). Inset: with Sadie Sink and Eden Epstein in Romeo & Juliet in the West End. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)
Frequently asked questions
What is Romeo & Juliet about?
Step into the world of Shakespeare with maybe his most famous play, Romeo & Juliet, as directed by Robert Icke in this intimate, charged revival starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) in their West End debuts.
Where is Romeo & Juliet playing?
Romeo & Juliet is playing at Harold Pinter Theatre. The theatre is located at 6 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4DN.
How long is Romeo & Juliet?
The running time of Romeo & Juliet is 2hr 55min. Incl. 1 Interval
How do you book tickets for Romeo & Juliet?
Book tickets for Romeo & Juliet on London Theatre.
What's the age requirement for Romeo & Juliet?
The recommended age for Romeo & Juliet is Ages 10+. Patrons aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over..
How much do tickets cost for Romeo & Juliet?
Tickets for Romeo & Juliet start at £76.
Who wrote Romeo & Juliet?
William Shakespeare wrote the play.
Who directed Romeo & Juliet?
Robert Icke is the director.
Is Romeo & Juliet appropriate for kids?
This show is best suited for those ages 10+. It includes descriptions of violence and deals with themes of death.
Is Romeo & Juliet good?
Romeo & Juliet is perhaps Shakespeare’s most famous, most enduring tragedy, and this production is an utterly thrilling revival of an already gorgeous show. Directed by the sharp Robert Icke at an intimate venue with two exciting young leads, this promises to be a night out audiences won’t forget.
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