Auckland Theatre Company presents

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet

These violent delights have violent ends.

15 Jul - 9 Aug 2025

ASB Waterfront Theatre

The greatest love story of all time, set in 1960’s Verona.

Recast as a fast-paced thriller, Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece brims with passion and unravels at breathtaking speed while Death lurks in every corner.

Theo Dāvid (Shortland Street) and Phoebe McKellar (One Lane Bridge) make their Auckland Theatre Company debuts as the ill-fated lovers, Romeo and Juliet, in an epic new production by director Benjamin Kilby-Henson (The Effect, King Lear).

“This is Shakespeare’s ode to love of all kinds,“ says Kilby-Henson, “Romantic love, sexual love, the love between friends and family, love through faith.“

With an original cinematic score by composer Robin Kelly, and Missoni and Pucci-inspired fashion setting the scene, the story unfolds in the world of 1960s’ Italy.

A story of aching young love and brutal family rivalry, which is as potent today as it was when it was written more than four centuries ago, this star-crossed tragedy celebrates the triumph of love over hate – but at what cost?

Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I never saw true beauty till this night.
Kilby-Henson has masterful direction.

The New Zealand Herald, The Effect

Event and Ticketing Details

Duration

2 hours, including interval

Advisory

Includes depictions of drug use, suicide and violence.

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Parking

Pre-book Theatre Carpark

Take the hassle out of finding a car park. Pre-book a space at our theatre car park for only $15 - just a short walk to the theatre.

Book Parking

Creative Learning

William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is suitable for year levels 9 - 13, with performances for schools on Wed 23 Jul, Fri 25 Jul, Wed 30 Jul, Fri 1 Aug at 11:00am. Supporting resources are available for ākonga.

School Matinee Programme

Ways To Save

Pay What You Wish

If you’ve never been to the theatre before, we have one night to give it a go risk-free. It’s first in, best seats, with the performance ticketed as General Admission. Tickets on sale at least 3 weeks before the performance.

$30 Under 30

Supported by Europcar

Discounted tickets are available in A and B reserve for any patron under the age of 30 for only $30.

Preview Performances

Save 20% on an Adult ticket for Auckland Theatre Company shows when you book see the first performances of a season before opening night.