Russell Kane 'buzzing' for theatre debut as Romeo

Comedian Russell Kane has is "buzzing" for his theatre debut as he prepares to step into the leading role in Romeo and Juliet.

Kane will play Romeo in a new take on William Shakespeare's classic, which will open at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, in September.

The play, a collaboration between the venue and theatre company Not Too Tame, will see the star-crossed lovers meet later in life, aged in their 40s, retelling the story from a perspective of age and experience.

"I'm literally buzzing to be involved with this production," Kane told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I've been doing stand-up for nearly 20 years, but I'm obsessed with theatre and plays. I've always said one day, after a tour, I'm going to do the real thing."

Kane said he had toured three of his own plays before so was familiar with "the discipline of following a script" and of working as part of an ensemble.

The role was something he "fantasised" about being asked to do, he said, and it was "the right thing at the right time".

Of the idea of setting the story when the characters were aged in their 40s, the 50-year-old comedian said it "puts a different flavour on it".

"One of the things that will grow you up really quickly in life is death or love," he added.

Kane, a multiple nominee at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, said he felt a deep connection with the character, as he felt like he was someone who had to "tame" his energy.

"The solution to that comes from true connection, real emotional connection with Juliet… not pretending, not acting, but really getting into the bones of it, really feeling it.

"That's what good stand-up is at the end of the day. When you're watching a good stand-up, you shouldn't be thinking 'Oh, I can see him writing that earlier, that was well delivered'."

Romeo and Juliet, directed by Jimmy Fairhurst, will run at the New Vic Theatre from 17 September to 10 October, and comes as the venue marks its 40th anniversary.

Kane said the show would be a great way to celebrate, adding: "What a delightful coincidence that the age of the theatre intersects with the age of our protagonists."

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