Romeo and Juliet Returns to the Globe Theatre 65 Years Later

The Globe Theatre in Dunedin, New Zealand, is celebrating its 65th anniversary by returning to the production that first opened the venue in 1961: William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The upcoming production is scheduled to run from May 21 to May 30, 2026. This version of the play, directed by Brent Caldwell, who also adapted the script, reimagines the story of star-crossed lovers within the setting of rural Otago in May 1961.

The production is described as an intimate and visceral reimagining that shifts the feud between the Montagues and Capulets from Verona to the expectations of a rural New Zealand community. The play explores themes of youthful passion, inherited loyalties, and generational tension within the context of a university town where tradition and youth are in constant conversation.

A Return to the Theatre’s Origins

The Globe Theatre was established in 1961 by theatre-lovers Patric and Rosalie Carey, who transformed their home into a performance space. The construction of the theatre was a community effort, with various individuals volunteering their spare time to assist Patric Carey.

Stephen Stedman, a member of the original 1961 cast, recalled the grassroots nature of the theatre’s creation, noting that he helped dig holes for the foundations and nail structural components into place. He also described the rushed nature of the first production’s preparations, remembering that programs were printed on Patric Carey’s dining table and were often still wet with ink when handed to the audience.

Generational Connections

The anniversary season emphasizes the continuity of the theatre’s history through its casting. The upcoming production features cameos from original 1961 cast members Stephen Stedman and Dougal Stevenson.

The production also includes Maegan Stedman-Ashford, the granddaughter of Stephen Stedman. The familial link to the theatre’s beginnings extends further back to the 1961 opening, where Richard Stedman performed several roles and his mother played the character of the nurse.

Performance and Ticket Details

Performances for the anniversary production of Romeo and Juliet will take place on weekdays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with Sunday matinees scheduled for 2:00 PM.

• General Admission: $30
• Concession: $25
• Children (14 and under): $20

All listed prices include GST.