Full cast announced for Branagh's Romeo and Juliet

The full cast has now been announced for Kenneth Branagh's upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, which opens at the Garrick Theatre on 25 May 2016, following previews from 12 May 2016.

Meera Syal joins the previously announced Richard Madden (Romeo), Lily James (Juliet) and Derek Jacobi (Mercutio). The full cast includes Marisa Berenson (Lady Capulet), Jack Colgrave Hirst (Benvolio), Tom Hanson (Paris), Matthew Hawksley (Anthony), Taylor James (Prince), Ansu Kabia (Tybalt), Racheal Ofori (Potpan), Nikki Patel (Balthasar), Chris Porter (Lord Montague), Zoe Rainey (Lady Montague), Michael Rouse (Lord Capulet), Sam Valentine (Friar Laurence) and Kathryn Wilder (Peta/Apothecary).

Following the casting announcement, Meera Syal said: "I'm so looking forward to joining such an exciting and prestigious company, and to be performing Shakespeare with them in this, his 400th anniversary year."

This new production will re-evaluate the well known story and promises to give a clear and fresh perspective on the text. With two households locked in a furious feud, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall in love across borders and threaten to tear their respective families apart. Facilitated by Juliet's Nurse and a helpful Priest, the young love blossoms against all odds, until bloodshed forces them to question their future.

Meera Syal's numerous London stage credits include 'Behind The Beautiful Forevers' (National Theatre), 'The Killing Of Sister George' (Arts Theatre), 'Shirley Valentine' (Menier Chocolate Factory/Trafalgar Studios), 'Bombay Dreams' (Apollo Victoria) and 'The Vagina Monologues' (Old Vic). Film credits include 'A Nice Arrangement', 'Anita and Me' and 'Beautiful Thing'. Meera has also appeared in many television programmes, including 'The Boy In The Dress', 'Goodness Gracious Me', 'Broadchurch', 'The Kumars', 'Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee', 'Goodness Gracious Me' and 'Band Of Gold'.

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