Acclaimed actress Natalie Casey (2.22: A Ghost Story, UK Tour; Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, BBC Three) has been cast as Juliet in a daring new interpretation of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, presented by Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre in collaboration with award-winning theatre company Not Too Tame.

Marking the first partnership between the two organisations, the production forms part of the New Vic Theatre’s 40th anniversary celebrations and will run from 17 September to 10 October 2026.

Currently touring the UK in 2.22: A Ghost Story, Casey is widely recognised for her extensive work across television and theatre. Her recent stage credits include Rock / Paper / Scissors and Guys & Dolls at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, alongside her acclaimed portrayal of Paulette in Legally Blonde The Musical for Sonia Friedman Productions.

She will star opposite comedian and actor Russell Kane, who takes on the role of Romeo, in a fresh and electrifying retelling that imagines Shakespeare’s iconic lovers meeting later in life. Both performers will be making their debut appearances at the New Vic Theatre.

The production is directed by Not Too Tame Artistic Director Jimmy Fairhurst, a UK Theatre Award Best Director nominee for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Speaking about Casey’s casting, Fairhurst said:

"We saw some incredible actors for this role, but Natalie Casey came in, grabbed the thing by the throat and made it hers. Shakespeare sounding like Shane Meadows. She understood the brief perfectly and delivered Juliet’s struggle, passion and wild joyfulness before delivering her devastating agony. I was a mess.

"The chemistry between Natalie and Russell is worth the ticket price alone – and we haven’t even started rehearsing yet. The casting of the full powerhouse ensemble is almost in place, and we’re all greyhounds in the trap, eager to start rehearsals. It’ll become brutally clear why we’re ageing the lovers up, but you can rest assured it makes both the comedy and tragedy profoundly more devastating. So grab a pint, take a seat and get a load of this.”

Casey added:

"To say I’m excited about being gifted the opportunity to enter the pantheon of icons who have also ‘Julietted’ is a vast understatement.

"Not Too Tame are renowned for their groundbreaking, inventive and iconic productions, and I’ve no doubt that Jimmy, Russell and our whole team’s take on Romeo & Juliet will raise both the roof and the bar. Strap in, world – we’ll endeavour to gird your loins, tickle your fancy and blow your socks off!”

This bold new production promises a contemporary, high-energy take on one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated tragedies, combining Not Too Tame’s trademark irreverence with the New Vic’s commitment to innovative storytelling.

Romeo & Juliet opens at the New Vic Theatre on Thursday 17 September and runs until Saturday 10 October 2026. For further information and tickets, visit newvictheatre.org.uk or contact the New Vic Box Office on 01782 717962.