IF there's one thing BRB excels at, it's classics, and this production of Romeo and Juliet is no exception. From the opening scene there are lavish costumes, splendid scenery and a cast of colourful characters. Pretty soon, you're immersed in the culture of Verona - a place of pageantry and passion where ultimately, the star-crossed lovers will meet their end.

The action begins slowly - perhaps a bit too slowly - with the warlike tone being set with sword fighting. It is not until scene two that we meet Juliet, engaged in charming play with her faithful nurse. The mood changes as we progress to the ball scene, in which the young Capulet daughter meets her Romeo.

The curtain rises on the guests, with Juliet's father at the forefront, to the sound of Prokofiev's famous Dance of the Knights, the theme of Sunderland Football Club. It's stirring stuff, reflecting the dark undertone of the occasion and soon enough, the atmosphere turns sour when Romeo's presence is discovered. In the meantime, he has seen and fallen in love with Juliet - despite her being a rival Capulet.

Real-life couple Molly Smolen and Tiit Helimets smoulder as the tragic pair, whose forbidden love seals their fate. As the story reaches its climax, we see their desperation in clinging gestures and ravaged looks. Paul Andrews's designs and John B Read's lighting produce a sinister tomb, where the last poignant scene is played out. A real tear-jerker.

* Runs until Saturday. Box office: 0870 602 1130.

Published: 17/03/2005