SALISBURY Playhouse is set to turn theatre on its head this summer, inviting audiences to step inside one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies as they’ve never experienced it before.

To mark its 50th anniversary, Salisbury Playhouse will be transformed into the Capulet Mansion for an ambitious, immersive staging of Romeo and Juliet as part of the Salisbury International Festival.

But this is no ordinary production.

Audiences won’t sit in their seats. They’ll move through the building, backstage and beyond, guided by headphones as the story unfolds around them.

From the moment they “arrive” at the Capulet ball, theatre-goers will be plunged into a world of conflict, romance and danger, with scenes spilling out into foyers, streets and even nearby public spaces.

The Playhouse itself becomes part of the drama. Its foyer is reimagined as a lavish ballroom, a city centre car park turns into a gritty hangout for feuding youths, and Juliet’s bedroom appears on an extended stage.

Outside, the space between the Playhouse and City Hall is turned into a civic arena, while the building’s balcony takes on a starring role.

Salisbury Playhouse celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Directed by Wiltshire Creative artistic director Gareth Machin, the production blends a professional cast with Stage 65 Youth Theatre and around 100 community participants – placing young people at the heart of the story.

Rosa Corbishley and Gareth Machin. (Picture: Eliza Naden)

An original soundtrack, parkour sequences and even vehicles will be used to heighten the action, creating what promises to be a fast-paced, cinematic experience.

Gareth said: “Working with the Young Ambassadors, we became acutely aware that they are living in a time where young people’s lives, across the world, are being impacted by conflict, which is at the heart of this story.

“Young people reclaiming spaces within the city is an important story because Salisbury is a city that is often perceived to have very little for young people and a place where older people’s needs are prioritised.

“A story about generational conflict feels pertinent, and our version of Romeo and Juliet reflects this, with the actions of the young people within the play offering some form of hope for the future and challenging the inevitability of situations.

“Hopefully, this production will both create opportunities for young people and also inspire future possibilities – we know how transformative these experiences can be for local people.”

The production opens on May 24, kicking off a city-wide festival running until June 27, with performances staged across venues including Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury Arts Centre.

For one summer, Salisbury won’t just host Shakespeare – it will become it.

To find out more, visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on