Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing –Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY LEE HALL

BASED ON THE SCREENPLAY BY MARC NORMAN & TOM STOPPARD

Music by Paddy Cunneen

Originally produced on the West End by Disney Theatrical Productions & Sonia Friedman Productions, directed by Declan Donnellan, and designed by Nick Ormerod