Relocating Shakespeare’s Veronese tragedy to modern Manchester gains extra impact on derby weekend. The half-and-half scarves with United and City logos sold near the Royal Exchange are reminders of an ancient grudge dividing this city.
Nicholai La Barrie’s production establishes its setting with plenty of local accents and a servant searching for Wilmslow Road. The costume design favours trackie tops, denim and trainers. When townspeople emerge in the wake of violent acts, it feels as though the theatre’s passersby have been drawn inside.
