Marvel's Spider-Man, Tom Holland, is set to trade his superhero suit for Shakespearean garb as he takes on the iconic role of Romeo in a new West End production of Romeo & Juliet. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the play is scheduled to run for 12 weeks at the Duke of York’s Theatre starting from May 11.
Lloyd praised Holland as "one of the greatest, most exciting young actors in the world," expressing honor in welcoming him back to the West End. At 27, Holland, known for his portrayal of the webslinging superhero, began his career on the stage with a debut in Billy Elliot: The Musical in 2008.
The casting for additional roles in Romeo & Juliet is yet to be revealed. Lloyd, recognized for his star-studded adaptations of classic plays, has previously helmed productions featuring Kit Harington, Tom Hiddleston, and Emilia Clarke. Notably, he strives to make theatre accessible to a wider audience, with 10,000 tickets for Romeo & Juliet priced at £25 and under, and 5,000 exclusively reserved for those under 30, key workers, and individuals receiving government benefits.
The production promises a fresh take on Shakespeare's timeless tale, edited by actor Nima Taleghani, with Soutra Gilmour handling set and costume design, and Michael “Mikey J” Asante as the composer. Romeo & Juliet is a collaboration between the Jamie Lloyd Company and David Binder Productions, marking a significant return for Holland to the theatrical stage.