The current buzz is all about the upcoming revival of “Romeo & Juliet,” starring none other than Tom Holland. But unfortunately, not all the chatter has been about the performances or the production itself. Director Jamie Lloyd has had to step in and address something pretty ugly that’s been happening online.
So, here’s the scoop: After the full cast for the play was announced, one of the actors started getting hit with some really awful racial abuse on social media. Jamie Lloyd, who’s steering this ship, made it clear on Friday that this behavior is completely unacceptable.
He said, and I quote,
“Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. This must stop.”
It’s disheartening to see talented artists facing such hate, especially when they’re part of something as exciting as this production. The show’s set to light up London’s Duke of York’s Theatre from May 23 through August, bringing together an incredible cast.
Jamie Lloyd, director of the Tom Holland-led West End revival of Romeo & Juliet, released a statement on Friday condemning an incident of “deplorable racial abuse” against an unnamed cast member. https://t.co/hNsugDNDDP
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 8, 2024
Alongside Tom Holland, we’ve got Francesca Amewudah-Rivers playing Juliet, and a stellar lineup including Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, Tomiwa Edun, Mia Jerome, Daniel Quinn-Toye, and Ray Sesay.
Lloyd’s statement didn’t just call out the abuse; it was a rallying cry for kindness and respect. He emphasized that the entire team is committed to creating a safe environment where artists can do their best work, free from harassment and bullying. And they mean business – any abuse gets reported, no exceptions.
In a move to shield the cast and crew from further nastiness, the “Romeo & Juliet” Instagram page has even disabled comments. Lloyd wants the focus to be on the art, saying the company will “continue to rehearse with generosity and love, and focus on the creation of our production.”
It’s a real shame that this revival, marking Tom Holland’s much-anticipated return to the stage since his days in “Billy Elliot: The Musical,” is getting overshadowed by such negativity. But with Lloyd at the helm, it sounds like the team is standing strong together. Let’s hope the focus can shift back to the excitement of live theatre and the magic this talented cast is sure to bring to one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.
