boy meets girl... then it all kicks off
Coming SUMMER 2026... Dignity
An immersive theatre experience retelling the story of Romeo & Juliet after Shakespeare through the lens of rave culture
Two households both alike in DIGNITY...
Be transported back to the 90s. Club culture is alive and well. Join us at club 'Dignity' where house music and drama collide. Dance the night away whilst the greatest love story ever told unfolds around you.
Exploring the euphoria of the time alongside its darker underbelly. Audiences will experience live DJ sets interspersed with the narrative of the piece and breakout physical moments. We want them to live and breathe the story with the intensity that audiences in the yard might have experienced. Multiple performers playing single characters will allow audiences to make their own choices and follow their own journey in an anti sequential narrative of the piece, coming together for tightly choreographed and stylised violence and moments of celebration. Culminating in the tragic overdose that 'plagued' the house music scene.
meet the cast...
Moe Essa
escalus
I was born in Sweden my background is middle eastern.
I am playing Escalus and the thing that I can probably relate to the most with Escalus is the frustration that he sometimes has.
I like right here right now with Fatboy Slim and the 90s rave culture is banging.
I like the concept about this play and I am very excited to do it in the middle of a rave!
oliver Hewson-parkinson
paris
Hello! I’m Oliver, I am an 18 year old actor based in Kent, I’ve lived in Kent in all of my life, but my roots lie from all over the UK, particularly Derbyshire where most of my father’s family live.
I am playing the character of Paris, Juliet’s husband to-be, a man that faces a very unfortunate fate as he is caught up in all of the chaos of the rivalling families. I relate to Paris because I interpret Paris to not really be a huge clubber, he goes there for the people, not for the party. Paris also isn’t all that confident, tending to fall under the command of Lady Capulet and never really taking chargwe of his own fate. Despite this, howeve, he extrudes a sense of self that perseveres throughout the piece.
My favourite 90’s house track would have to be ‘Music sounds better with you’, I’m a real fan of the ‘downtime’ moments at parties and clubs, and I feel like elements of this track definitely encapsulate the feeling of deep conversations that are held in the downtime of a party, when you can hear the music faintly in the background but all you can focus on is the other person. The track really symbolises those moments of unity and peace in an otherwise chaotic setting.
I think 90’s culture is truly something special, as there was such a sense of unity and togetherness which feels somewhat lost in today’s society. The power of music, the freedom that the weekend brought and breaking of barriers all contributed to an irrefutable unity; this is what we are attempting to accomplish within the piece, how the sense of togetherness between these two lovers can ruputre an ‘ancient grudge’ that has existed between these warring houses.
My drink of choice? Anything non-alcoholic that tastes good, I’m not much of a drinker (something that I’d say Paris can closely relate to), I prefer to try and catch the energy high off of everyone else around me, and that uplifts me just as well as any alcohol could.
The RT project means a lot to me, but the ethos of the RT project that I align most with is diversity and inclusion. Coming from an amateur and much less diverse theatrical background, the RT project has enlightened me as to the power of diversity. I beleive that diversity brings nothing but positivity to a company, as it brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and allows a company to experiment with styles and pieces of theatre that they may have not been able to fully engage with previously.
alexandra Piare
montague
I am a stage and screen actor from High Wycombe, driven by a deep commitment to performance and artistic growth. As a recent graduate, I am eager to collaborate on diverse and challenging projects that allow me to expand my craft and gain further experience within the industry. My university training provided invaluable opportunities to develop both technically and creatively, equipping me with the confidence and discipline to actively pursue performance opportunities. I am passionate about storytelling, and there is nothing more rewarding to me than inhabiting a character and bringing a narrative to life. My favourite drink to get on a night out is a vodka lemonade, simple, cheap and easy to drink. But if my friends and I are feeling like it we will have one or two tequila shots.
My passion for exploring innovative styles of theatre drew me to the RT Project’s bold reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet. The concept of setting the story within a nightclub, with the Montagues and Capulets reimagined as rival drug gangs, immediately captivated me. I have particularly appreciated Dignity’s focus on Juliet’s journey, placing her at the heart of the narrative in a way that feels both powerful and long overdue. As well as the use of multiple Juliets, allowing audiences to choose who to follow, creates a dynamic and immersive experience, inviting each person to construct their own version of the story.
Dignity is my first fully immersive theatre project. I have always admired immersive performance and the many forms and styles it can take. Being part of a fully immersive production has been an exciting challenge, requiring me to remain completely present and in character at all times to help create a believable world for the audience. To prepare for the world of Dignity, I researched 1990s club culture, gaining insight into how rave, gang, and drug culture were closely intertwined.
I play Montague, the head of the Montagues’ drug gang, a leader expected to maintain control over both her people and business. Throughout the play, Montague often observes the club from a distance, keeping track of operations rather than directly involving herself in the actions of her gang members. Her foil is Capulet, rival gang leader, someone with whom she shares a long and complicated history, constantly going head to head in power and pride. Although Montague is focused on power and profit, she still carries a sense of responsibility and care for those within her gang.
I am incredibly grateful to have found the RT Project, a theatre company committed to making theatre and the creative industry as accessible as possible. From the very beginning of this project, the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and respect have been at the heart of our rehearsals. The RT Project has created a space where I feel accepted and supported, allowing me to grow as an actor while contributing to an exciting and innovative production. I hope to continue working with this inspiring company in creating new and bold performances.
kamile berlinskaite
capulet
I’m originally Lithuanian, now based in London - which basically means I was raised with strong boundaries and even stronger opinions. I trained in Drama and Acting in Bristol, and since then have been moving between theatre, film and whatever creative chaos feels right at the time.
I’m playing Capulet in this version of Romeo & Juliet. I’ve been told I bring a certain “Eastern European firmness” to the role - which I’m choosing to take as a compliment. I relate to her control, her pride, and that very particular energy of “I know what’s best.” I’m not naturally ruthless, but I do understand the no-nonsense, don’t-push-me attitude. She’s someone who protects what she’s built, and doesn’t apologise for taking up space. I respect that.
Favourite 90s house track? Free by Ultra Naté and Mood II Swing - it’s impossible not to feel lifted by it. I also love the early trance sound that emerged in the late 90s. Armin van Buuren and Tiësto had that euphoric, slightly hypnotic energy that feels like 3am in the best way.
The 90s culture feels raw to me - pre-Instagram, pre-curated everything. People showed up as they were. The music was communal. Sweaty. Unfiltered. I like that.
Drink of choice: golden tequila, fresh lime and soda. Simple and effective.
The RT Project feels like a space to grow, take risks and meet people who are genuinely here to create. It’s about momentum and collaboration, which is exactly where I want to be right now.
ollie smith
romeo
Where are you from? Background?
I am from welling in southeast London, I have lived here all my life, I started taking an interest in acting in my secondary school where I joined a production of ‘School of Rock’ the rest is history.
-Who are you playing and how do you relate to your character?
I am playing Romeo, I can’t say I relate to him too much aside from his naivety.
-Favourite 90s house track? And/or DJ?
Born Slippy is my all time favourite.
-Thoughts about 90s culture?
I think it was a time of huge cultural changes and just seemed a more simple world to live in. I definitely wish I could have lived it.
-Drink of choice?
Black kraken rum and coke
-What does theRTproject mean to you?
The project to me is a chance have a shot at taking part in something new and groundbreaking as well as being able to show my talent with other talented people.
(How does or ethos and plan align for you?)
The ethos aligns with me very well as I have struggled with audition season of drama schools for two years now with no luck. To be given this opportunity is a blessing for young actors like myself. I am very exited to see where this takes us.
ade ojekale
tybalt
Hi, my name is Ade; born and raised in South East London. My ethnic background is Nigerian. I’ll be playing Tybalt. I don’t relate to Tybalt in the sense that we have the same opinions and views on things but I do know, much like most people my age, we’re very much victims to the negative choices of those who came before us and these things influence our day to day lives and we’ll continue to carry the cycle on whether consciously or not. My favourite 90s track is breathe by The Prodigy. 90s culture from my understanding was all about having a good time and trying to make it last for as long as you could. The weekend was what you lived for. Of course there were trends but not like the trends we have today there was an individuality that came with them and we’ve kinda lost that to be honest. My drink of choice would be an Oreo milkshake mmmm. The RTproject to me is an opportunity to perform by my terms. We’ve seen time and time again that working class Actors/ Artists create the most undeniably great pieces of work. However, we live in a world where we have to beg and fight for a chance to create and find a way to share work. This company allows us to do these things and supports us to do so. It’s a clear reflection of what I think pursuing the Arts should feel like.
Louis wilson
mercutio
Where are you from? Background?
Growing up in the west country, I spent most of the time outside in the fields or trapped
inside on rainy afternoons making music with my brother. Inspired by Dad’s ability to name the
year of a song playing on the kitchen CD player, we searched for inspiration from punk and rock
legends like Queen, Adam and the Ants and Depeche Mode. I don't think it's too much to say
that we were brainwashed into thinking all new music was lame.
-Who are you playing and how do you relate to your character?
Playing Mercutio feels like capturing this nostalgia and putting on the iconic red Pumas
of Grandmaster Flash - instantly recognisable, loaded with history, and impossible to ignore. He
walks into a space and shifts the temperature. He is both the protector and the provocateur, the
friend who will always have your back and the stranger no one ever fully understands. An
explosion of ecstasy when you need it most. A nomad who rises above grudge and is loyal to
everyone. With Romeo, I see him as both the anchor and the rival. He loves him fiercely, but
he’s terrified of losing him to love, to fantasy, to something he can’t compete with. So he keeps
dragging him back onto the dancefloor, back into the moment.
I’m drawn to his need to be the hero, the clown, the rebel - anything but the boy who
might be left behind. I wonder if he’s addicted to the love he gets from performing, or if he’s
running from the silence that comes when the music stops.
Maybe it’s both.
-Favourite 90s house track? And/or DJ?
The Chemical Brothers were experts at washing through genres like metal and hip-hop
to bring a sense of nostalgia to the revolution of 90s dance music. Today, I think Yusuke
Yukimatsu has continued this mission, merging both Aerosmith and Errorsmith in the same set.
-Thoughts about 90s culture?
To me, the 90s marked a moment of collective release. Whether this was in the thrill of
rebelling against authority at an illegal rave, the availability to digitally sample your own music or
accessing instant euphoria through recreational drugs, it felt like a world where freedom and
expression came first. However, there was also something fragile beneath that freedom. It was
about feeling everything at once so you didn’t have to confront the problems with society.
-Drink of choice?
My drink of choice will always be the Negroni - never fails!
-What does theRTproject mean to you? (How does or ethos and plan align for you?)
The RT Project is a unique opportunity for young actors to join a diverse REP company
in the mission to create theatre that is honest, fresh and barrier-free. The REP Company
structure paired with the weekend-only commitment provides a consistent platform for creativity,
without asking for unrealistic financial sacrifices. It allows for young actors to receive sustained
support at the start of their journey. I really hope its success inspires others to set up similar
initiatives that provide young theatremakers with accessibility to long-term artistic development.
Lizzie Palmer
benvolio
Hi I’m Lizzie and I’m from Kent! I grew up as a dancer, horse rider hybrid and was always told I had to pick one of the two because they used different muscles, so naturally I ended up becoming an actor? I am extremely excited to be playing Benvolio in our retelling of Romeo & Juliet, ‘Dignity!’ A similarity between me and B.Volio is that I am always down to party and will be brutally honest if my friends love lives are rubbish #examineotherbeauties. My favourite 90s house track has to be Pacific State by 808 State. I prefer instrumental heavy tracks and this is one I’ve heard recently and I love it. To me, 90s culture is iconic, especially the fashion, so much so that it’s all coming back to the present day! My favourite part about the 90s is 100% the catwalk scene, I would’ve loved to have gone to a Chanel show and seen Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Shalom Harlow, all of the supermodels of that time. My drink of choice is as much vodka as I can get in one cup before someone tells me to calm down, mixed with coke. I am really looking forward to working with the RT project as their unique, experimental approach to theatre intrigues me, as it challenges the traditional approaches we’ve seen to stories in the past. I think we need to keep theatre fresh and interesting, which is exactly what the RT do and what I hope to do with them.
brandon george stedman
friar laurance
Where I’m from and my background.
I am from the United Kingdom, I was born in Sidcup, but I have lived in welling my whole life. I have wanted to be an actor since I was 14, watching films and different series’ when I was young sparked my first passions and interest for acting. Watching actors perform in films further influenced me to want to be in their place one day which also helped me understand that I wanted to train as an actor.
Who I’m playing
I’m playing Friar Laurence and I relate to this character in an abundance of ways. Firstly, I’m energetic and have good observative skills when I’m listening and I can remain locked into whatever I’m being told, but the second I get distracted by something I completely zone out of a conversation and get carried away by the thoughts in my own brain and start to live in a world of my own, which is something me and this character could have in common because I can be really dopey and make myself look stupidly funny when I’m unaware of other things going on around me.
Favourite 90’s track
My favourite house track is Your Love by The Prodigy because it’s a beautifully crafted piece of art and feels nostalgic in the sense of what Britain used to feel like in the 90’s.
Thoughts about 90’s culture
I’m completely and utterly gutted that I wasn’t born during this time, it pisses me off to think about that. After growing up and hearing about all these experiences during these times it hurts my soul to hear about all the new laws and shit that got put in place to stop raves and clubs etc, which completely changed them and made them less fun than what they sounded like back in the day. The idea of people loving each other in a country that was filled with people who struggle to love is a beautiful thing that I sadly have never been able to experience. It’s interesting how these things have continued to exist in our day of age but has been slowly turned into money grabbing events by rich pricks.
Drink of choice
Desperados, my favourite drink right now, I love em.
What does the RT Project mean to me?
The RT project is something I'm really looking forward to doing, I love unique ideas for shows and bringing Shakespeare into the modern era of clubbing is something that instantly stood out for me. I love how it gives other people the option to re-visit something from someone's childhood. The idea of the RT project wanting to help young actors to train in different ways is great because there is so many drama schools and theatre companies that don’t give that proper training because everything has been modernised, therefore aren’t taught properly. RT project plans on doing the opposite and wants to help actors get into the industry and understand how it works.
tommy gillard
nurse to Juliet
Im a South Londoner — Battersea born and bred.
No mysterious overseas backstory, no secret passport… just 100% full-fat British with a strong cup of tea somewhere in my DNA. I’ll be stepping into the role of the Nurse in Romeo & Juliet — which feels correct, who doesn’t love a character with big energy, a big heart, and absolutely no filter? My character — part drag, part figure — embodies freedom: they’re bold, expressive and playful with gender.
I love the 90s era! Show Me Love, Be My Lover, Gypsy Woman, Dreamer, Let Me Be Your Fantasy — that’s my pre-going-out ritual. If there’s a piano riff and a diva vocal, im usually found tearing it up on the dance floor. For drinks, I’ll have a Tommy’s margarita if we’re feeling CLASSY and a white rum & pineapple if we’re feeling DANGEROUS.
Honestly though, as a queer, non-gender-conforming person, the RT Theatre Project feels like a creative home. It’s a space where I’m not just accepted, but genuinely celebrated. RT’s ethos of inclusivity and championing diverse voices aligns deeply with my own values. I believe theatre should give people the freedom to explore identity without limitation. That’s RT. I’m completely at home in an environment which encourages authenticity.
mae meadows
juliet
I’m Mae Meadows. I grew up in North London and studied at ArtsEd for sixth form. Performing arts is deep-rooted in my family's history and was a central part of my upbringing. I’ve always loved watching and learning from bold and innovative pieces of theatre and weaving those influences into my own performances.
In this production I am playing one of the four Juliets. She is one of the earliest complex female characters in English drama and I am very interested in her being portrayed as such. At her core, Juliet is the ultimate teenage girl. She is rebellion and chaos. Juliet feels everything so intensely, as any young woman does, and she refuses to allow people to diminish her feelings because of her age. I am inspired by her unapologetic passion and unwavering determination (even if it is misdirected at times.)
My favourite 90’s house track is definitely Out of Space by The Prodigy. Once its in my head its in there for days. I love the boldness of 90’s culture - the fashion, freedom and energy. Everything seemed so entirely original and exciting.
As for my drink of choice, I rarely commit to just one, but right now it would be vodka, lime, soda.
The RT project resonates with me because of its commitment to originality and excitement. I believe in exploring new perspectives within existing stories; reshaping and evolving them to create a performance that feels powerful and entirely new. Their trust in collaboration gives a play life and truth, allowing everyone's individuality to bring something fresh to the table. This creates an environment where everyone feels alive and eager to create.
Lilia Dora Griffin
juliet
Hiii, I’m Lilia and I’m from Dartford, I’m finishing my third and final year at The Miskin Theatre and I am a member of The Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre. I have been lucky enough to be in numerous plays at these theatres including Ella in Dixon and Daughters, Jo in Little Women, Jack Merridew in The Lord of The Flies and Arturo Ui in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. I am a Type 1 Diabetic and have been for just over three years, which I am still very much getting used to, but it has made me a lot more resilient in everything I do. Also, I am a very frequent theatre goer, I have seen over 50 plays at The National Theatre (It’s my absolute dream to act there). I also regularly attend The Donmar Warehouse, The Old Vic, and The Bridge Theatre.
I am playing one of four Juliets. This version of Juliet is actually quite a big contrast to me as she is very manipulative and off her face for pretty much the entire show. However, this makes her all the more fun to play. I guess I am similar to her in the way that she is very feisty and won’t give up until she gets what she wants. I love that she is very unlike the Juliet we are used to, so I can go full out and make her a tad mental. I hope the audiences are ready to see Juliet like she’s never been seen before.
I would say that I love anything by The Prodigy but especially Death Of The Prodigy Dancers and Breathe as I love really loud, basey music with huge beat drops. It just makes me want to jump around the room. Also, their music is what I think a trip would sound like as everything seems to be happening at once in their work, and I think it sounds so cool.
I’m always straight on the cocktail list when I go out to dinner and I’m always looking for a Pina-Colada. They just remind me of summer, which is my favorite season and I was always a massive fan of tropical fruit juice when I was a kid so it was a no-brainer that it was going to be my favorite alcoholic drink when I became an adult.
The RT Project has been such a wonderful opportunity to be involved in something outside of my local area and training. How many people can say that they’ve done Shakespeare in a Night Club? I’m so grateful to be working with such a talented and lovely company and I can’t quite believe that we are actually doing this. I’m really excited to see where the RTP goes next.
Rachel brown
Juliet
I’m an actor originally from Stoke-on-Trent. I play one of our Juliet’s in Dignity, who is easily one of my favourite characters of all time. I connect deeply with her ability to balance both softness and strength; she is all at once wise and grounded but also expansive and joyful. Throughout this process we’ve been surrounded by so many brilliant 90s house tracks, but my current favourite is ‘Show Me Love’ by Robin S. I love the connection and authenticity of 90s culture - a group of strangers coming together to let loose and forget about their troubles. I think we could use more of that today!
My drink of choice will always be a pint of Peroni.
I’m so excited and grateful that theRTproject exists. It’s an inclusive, collaborative space that feels like a second home. It’s so special to find accessible spaces in the arts that champion artists from all different socio-economic backgrounds and cultures.
emma heap
juliet
I grew up in Cheltenham and studied in Leeds, before moving to London to pursue my dream of being an actor.
I’ll be playing one the Juliet’s and I relate to her forthright nature. She goes after what she wants and I love that quality.
My favourite 90s house track is ‘Groove Is In The Heart’ by Deee-Lite - I play it in the car with my mum and we have a little boogie.
I have an affinity with 90s culture, especially the fashion - minimalist and effortlessly chic.
It depends on the vibe but i could quite happily run on a combination of black coffee, diet coke, and red wine.
theRTproject ethos of enhancing equality of opportunity really aligns with me. The company feels like a safe space to push boundaries within theatre and I love being a part of the project!
aurora de luchi
rosaline
My name is Aurora De Luchi, I’m originally from Italy but I moved to England in 2018, to first study Film and Drama at university in Canterbury. My concept of home has always been everchanging: ever since I was a kid, I moved to different places, because of my dad’s job as a military officer, both in Italy and later in the UAE. Some might say that you shouldn’t subject a child to this, but it has actually helped shaping the person I am today, making me very adaptable and eager to always embark onto new adventures. However, one of the few consistent things in my life was my passion for the arts and performing: I explored different versions of me that I wasn’t always able to bring out in daily life, it served as escapism in the midst of many of life’s uncertanties. In this new exciting adaptation, I play Rosaline, Romeo’s first ever love interest whom, unlike in Shakespeare’s original play, will actually have more agency, and perhaps influence the fate of the “star-cross’d lovers”. But let’s not spoil too much for now. I think one of the main aspects that me and Rosaline relate to is wanting to be in control of our destinies. We like to be the protagonists of our own lives, we don’t like to be overshadowed by someone else and feel like we just need to let fate happen. We want to somehow find our place in the world, feel like we fully belong to it. Whether it is driven by sheer insecurity or determination, it will be up to the audience to decide.
A 90’s rave nightclub setting was what attracted me to this project essentially; being born in 2000, it brings back a peculiar nostalgia mixed with lightness, that I can still find in the media that I consumed as a child. The feeling I get from the 90s is that life didn’t feel performative: there was a genuine willingness to explore, challenging boundaries without having to make statements for the sake of it. Despite the adversities, life felt exciting, and the future worth looking forward to. Two tracks from this time period have been loads on my mind: “Push the Feeling on” by the Nightcrawlers and “Show me Love” by Robin S., frequent soundtracks to my various nightclub adventures, that made me dance and feel as light as a feather. And, if I wasn’t dancing my heart out, I’d sip a Blood Orange and Vanilla Martini whilst listening to those, my perfect combination of sweet and sour.
The RT Project has overall meant for me the perfect opportunity to get back into theatre because, for many years, I was focused on learning how to be a screen actress, and building my experience on it. But it also means being daring, bold in my performance choices, without fear of experimenting, a reminder of why little Aurora always enjoyed perfoming above everything else.
I don’t know how long this crazy ride will be, but I’ll make sure to savour it until the end.
