20-05-2025
Full Cast Announced For William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet By Auckland Theatre Company
The greatest love story of all time, William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, presented as a fast-paced thriller, comes to the ASB Waterfront Theatre from 15 July – 9 August.
Reimagined in the 1960s, a decade of love, and a period defined by romance, this timeless masterpiece speaks to the rebellion of youth and female liberation and brims with passion, unravelling at breathtaking speed while Death lurks in every corner.
Making their Auckland Theatre Company debut, Theo Dāvid (Shortland Street) and Phoebe McKellar (One Lane Bridge) will star as the ill-fated lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
'Phoebe has a fragility coupled with a fire and Theo has an enchanting warmth, coupled with a devilish twinkle in the eye,' says Director Benjamin Kilby-Henson (The Effect, King Lear). 'The text describes their relationship as flint and gunpowder, when they come together - KABOOM. They are the perfect combo for Shakespeare's most head-strong, vibrant and zealous young couple.'
Joining Dāvid and McKellar is Ryan Carter as Mercutio, Liam Coleman as Benvolio, Jesme Fa'auuga as Tybalt, Courtney Eggleton as Nurse, Miriama McDowell as Friar Lawrence, Beatriz Romilly as Lady Capulet, Meramanji Odedra as Montague, Jordan Mooney as Paris, Isla Mayo as Sampson and Amanda Tito as Death/Prince/Petra/Apothecary.
'This is Shakespeare's ode to love of all kinds', says Kilby-Henson, 'Romantic love, sexual love, the love between friends and family, love through faith.'
With an original cinematic score by Composer Robin Kelly and a Milan-inspired '60's fashion aesthetic by Daniel Williams and Daniella Salazar, this must-see production ignites one of literature's most enduring stories with intensity and style.
This July, Romeo & Juliet warns 'these violent delights have violent ends'. With a brilliant cast and visionary creative team this star-crossed tragedy celebrates the triumph of love over hate – but at what cost?
For tickets and further information, visit
15 July - 9 August 2025
ASB Waterfront Theatre
Direction: Benjamin Kilby-Henson
Production Design, Set & Costume: Daniel Williams
Production Design, Lighting: Filament Eleven 11 Rachel Marlow & Bradley Gledhill
Production Design, Costume: Daniella Salazar
Composition & Sound Design: Robin Kelly
Vocal Direction: Cherie Moore
Movement Direction & Engine Room Assistant Director: Katrina George
Duration: 2 hours, including interval
