2025 - Romeo and Juliet

 

Our set and acting area.


 

 

 

 

       'Romeo and Juliet' was first presented in 1965 and then again in 1994.

Dates & Location

Royden Park, Frankby, Wirral

 

Tickets

Tickets on sale from the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton via Ticketswirral.com

Standard - From £14.00
VIP Package - From £43.00
Special Offer - £5 off Adult & Child for Mon or Tues
Group Offer - 10% off on 10+ tickets

VIP Patron Package - £127 (includes two VIP patron tickets

VIP Package available in Stand B -
Cava and Canapes, meet the Directors, complementary programmes, the best seats in the house

Each ticket is subject to a booking fee by Floral Pavilion.

The Cast  
ROMEO Simon Baron
MONTAGUE - his father Simon Garland
LADY MONTAGUE - his mother
Leanne Hardy
BENVOLIO - their kinsman Charlotte Cumming
BALTHASAR and Ensemble Robert Page
SAMPSON, Second Watch & Ensemble Ash Jackson-Duffy
JULIET Amber-Page Moss
CAPULET - her father Adrian Davies
LADY CAPULET - her mother Bethany Culshaw
NURSE to Juliet Ticki Clark
TYBALT - kinsman to the Capulets Adam Stubbs
PETER and Ensemble Keith Hill
ABRAM, Third Watch and Ensemble Michael Webster
ESCALUS - Queen of Verona Pauline Garland
PARIS - the Queen’s kinsman and Juliet’s suitor Kristopher Duffin
MERCUTIO - the Queen’s kinsman and Romeo’s friend Alexander Breathnach
ROSALINE, Paris's page & Ensemble Grace Stanger
FRIAR LAWRENCE Andrew Culshaw
FRIAR JOHN and Ensemble Jemma Durston
APOTHECARY Leanne Hardy
GREGORY, First Watch and ensemble Jack Moore
   

 

 

 

The production team

 

Director

                       

Shannon McMullan

 

Consultant to the Director Stuart Rathe
Production Manager Ruth Cooper
Stage Manager Gareth Cooper
Assistant Stage Managers Ben Howarth, Vince Perry, Ian Tyrer
Set Design Nigel Cooper
Chief Electrician and Technical Director Simon Ollman
Lighting & Sound design & Operation Simon Ollman, Micah Ollman, Dan Ellis
Technical Crew Dan Ellis, Sean Rainey
Costume and Props Co-ordinators Michelle McMullan, Katie Jones
Costume and Props team Charlotte Cumming, Alexander Breathnach, Liz Sharp, Heather Gibson, Nessa Garland
Set Construction Richard Smith, Vince Perry, Gareth Cooper, Ben Howarth, Charles Riley, James Kay, Mike Neal, Jon Evans, Ian Tyrer, Dillon Thomas, Steve Drewe, Nessa Garland, John Warburton
Artistic Design and Realisation Keith Hill, Tim Sinnott, Nessa Garland
Choereographer and Dance Captain Bethany Culshaw
Fight Co-ordinator Dan Meigh
Fight Captain Charlotte Cumming
Hair and Make-up Gemma Scott
Front of House Management Simon Deere
Box Office Caroline Kay, Evan Page
Press, publicity and Promotion Adrian Davies, Ruth Cooper, Shannon McMullan, Michelle McMullan, Sarah McGinty
Graphics and Programme Design Rebecca Jackson Designs
Rehearsal refreshments Nessa Garland, Caroline Kay

Photography

Official Photographs

Kristian Lawrence
Programme Editor Simon Garland
Programme Features Simon Garland, James Kay
Scrpt Editing support Martin Riley
VIP Hosts Abigail Bennett, Nick Hawkswell
Schools Matinee Ruth Cooper, Sarah McGinty
Audition Panel Nigel Cooper, Ruth Cooper, Jane Davenport, Shannon McMullan,
Stuart Rathe
   
PATRONS Pauline & Simon Garland, Joy Clancy, Giles Stacey & Helen Tanzy,
David Travis, Janice O'Hare & Lesley-Anne Wilson, Adrian Davies & Chris Pattison, Susan Williams & Liz Pringle, Alison Quinn, Shirley Hunt, June Taylor & David Brown, Gareth & Ruth Cooper, Nigel & Carys Cooper,
Ian & Nicola Cubbin
   
  Hillbark Players would like to give their particular thanks to Craig, Lisa and all at Hillbark Hotel and Spa for the use of their grounds and facilities.and their general support.

 

Programme     


Poster

 

 

Audition Poster

 

Audition pack

Reviews

The Hillbark Players' production of Romeo and Juliet in Royden Park has received positive reviews, with particular praise for its atmospheric setting and engaging performances. The open-air theatre, complete with covered seating and theatre-quality lighting, creates a unique and immersive experience. The performances are described as passionate and exciting, captivating audiences with both romance and drama. The Hillbark Hotel & Spa also contributes to the experience, offering food and refreshments, including a tented bar on-site. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the reviews:
Positive Aspects:

  • Atmosphere and Setting:

The open-air theatre in Royden Park, with its specially constructed auditorium and covered seating, is highly praised for creating a unique and atmospheric setting for the play. 

  • Performance:

The Hillbark Players are lauded for their passionate and energetic performances, delivering a captivating and memorable experience. 

  • Integration with the Hotel:

The Hillbark Hotel & Spa's contribution to the event, including food and refreshments, enhances the overall experience and makes it a complete evening out. 

  • Visual Spectacle:

The production is described as visually spectacular, with mentions of dazzling ballrooms and deadly duels. 
Specific Highlights:

  • The production is set in the glamorous Regency era, adding another layer of visual appeal. 
  • The performances are said to capture both the romance and tragedy of the story, delivering an exciting and emotional experience. 
  • The event is considered an unforgettable open-air experience, perfect for fans of Shakespeare and newcomers alike. 
  • The production is described as an opportunity to enjoy culture, conversation,
    and culinary delights in a beautiful setting. 

******************************************************************************************************************************

The stage is empty. The lights are gone. The seats stand silent.
Our Romeo & Juliet has closed, leaving only echoes where there was once laughter, gasps, applause
—and the quiet heartbreak of Verona’s tragedy played out under open skies.
Hillbark Arena looks bare again, but it holds the memory of every word spoken, every tear shed,
every connection made between actor and audience.
Thank you to all who shared these fleeting nights with us.

The set may be struck, but the story—and the experience—will linger.
Until next time. ✨

 

Photographs

In rehearsal - Romeo and Juliet meet

In rehearsal - Swordplay

 

 

The Committee  
Hon. Life President Mike Ellis
Chairman Nigel Cooper
Vice Chair Ruth Cooper
Secretary Caroline Kay
Treasurer Gareth Cooper
Business Manager Ben Howarth
Technical Director Simon Ollman
Committee members