Tom Holland shines in Romeo & Juliet production at the Duke of York's Theatre

West End adaptation of Romeo & Juliet removes violence but warns some scenes might be hard to watch. The play is rated 15+ and stars Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers. The 1968 film adaptation faced rating issues due to nudity and violence. The new West End production is different, with no fight scenes on stage and actors using microphones instead of projecting their voices loudly. The casting of a black actor drew criticism online, but many actors supported her. Shakespeare plays in the West End often come with trigger warnings for potentially upsetting content. Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers star in a fresh adaptation of Romeo & Juliet in the West End. The play has received mixed reviews, with critics calling it "sad" and "muted". Some critics found Holland's delivery flat and Amewudah-Rivers mostly impassive. The production's stripped-back approach and use of live video have divided opinions. Some praised the chemistry between the actors, while others felt the distancing style and anti-dramatic effects hindered the passion of the play. The show's sound effects and lighting were seen as abrupt by some, leaving the audience perplexed rather than gripped. Overall, the new adaptation of Romeo & Juliet in the West End has sparked discussions among critics and audiences. While some appreciate the fresh take on the classic play, others find the production lacking in passion and engaging elements. The use of modern twists and minimal set design has been both praised and criticized, showing that interpretations of Shakespeare's work can vary widely.