The Bard’s greatest love story to be performed at Kentwell Hall

Troy Chessman as Romeo and Lizzie Sharpe as Juliet in the British Touring Shakespeare 2026 production of Romeo and Juliet.

Internationally acclaimed theatre company, British Touring Shakespeare, will be at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk this week, with their open-air production of William Shakespeare’s timeless romance, ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening among the stars, as BTS perform the Bard’s famous tale of star-crossed lovers against the stunning backdrop of Kentwell Hall’s east wing.

The story…

In Shakespeare’s Verona, hatred and violence are rife as the Montague and Capulet households play out their long-standing blood feud. Despite their warring families, it is love at first sight for young lovers Romeo and Juliet, but while they are desperate to be together, they are forced apart. Will love prevail for the star-crossed lovers? Or will their passion be thwarted?

Speaking ahead of the show, Artistic Director, Andrew Hobbs, said: “We are delighted to return to Kentwell Hall, this time with Romeo and Juliet. Kentwell provides one of the most atmospheric settings on our summer tour, and Shakespeare’s greatest love story feels perfectly at home against the backdrop of this magnificent Tudor manor. We look forward to sharing this passionate and moving production with audiences in Suffolk.”

‘Romeo and Juliet’ is directed by Andrew Hobbs and features Lizzie Sharpe as Juliet, Troy Chessman as Romeo, Emma Riches as Mercutio and Will Croft as Tybalt.

Original music is composed and performed by Alistair Smith.

Taking on the classic female lead, Lizzie Sharpe said: “Juliet is one of the most iconic roles in theatre, and it is a privilege to bring her story to life in such a magical outdoor setting. Romeo and Juliet is full of passion, poetry, humour and heartbreak, and performing it beneath the summer sky at Kentwell Hall promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.”

British Touring Shakespeare has been performing high-quality, professional open-air theatre to people of all ages since 1999. The company’s signature style combines authentic verse, traditional staging, rich costumes, striking visuals and period appropriate live music, making classic stories accessible to all.

Now taking on one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays for their 2026 tour, the company says audiences should expect to be entertained, thrilled and moved by the performance.

Top tip: Why not make an evening of it and take a rug and a picnic!

Romeo and Juliet is at Kentwell Hall in Long Melford on Friday 17 July 2026.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE