'Shakespeare rap could inspire youth'

Rap music could inspire young people to get into Shakespeare, a 16-year-old student who has helped produce a contemporary performance of Romeo and Juliet said.

Harvey Jones, who attends Coventry Academy, has helped create a new adaptation of the famous Shakespeare love story play that blends classic poetry with rap and R&B.

Opening at the Belgrade Theatre, the show has been billed as being for those "who love the music of the spoken word of every generation".

Harvey, who contributed to the music and direction, said the performance is "really impressive".

"I have felt chosen, in a sense, because I've never had this much work put towards me," he said.

"The way that they speak in Shakespeare is completely different, but the background is still the same.

"There are people today fighting for love and their families don't agree with it - but they'll still fight for it.

"The way they've made everything fit in together is really impressive.

"Doing rapping and Shakespeare together is really good way to get all ages invested in watching the show."

The performance is a co-production with Bristol Old Vic and Hackney Empire and directed by the Belgrade's Creative Director, Corey Campbell.

It will run at the Belgrade Theatre from 21 February – 8 March.

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