A young struggling William Shakespeare (Fiennes) is suffering writers block struggling with his next play “Romeo and Ethel the pirate’s daughter” when he meets the unobtainable Lady Viola De Lesseps (Paltrow). She, in an age where women are not allowed on stage, and desperate to act dresses as a boy to deceptively take the role of Romeo. Needless to say love does not run smoothly as the relationship between Will and Viola provides inspiration into his new play.

This is a top notch romantic comedy that just sizzles with wit and superb writing. Having Shakespeare’s real life drive the the development of the play is just a fantastic plot idea and both Paltrow and Fiennes give great emotion and credibility to their roles. The supporting actors all provide strong and memorable efforts.

The tension builds as the play opens but with no-one to play Juliet (thankfully the play is re-titled) Will and Viola take to the stage in the title roles knowing they must soon be separated. The result is an astonishing depiction of Romeo and Juliet played before a Elizabethan audience for the first time, that even in snippet form leaves you emotionally wrecked.

Having read and enjoyed the play I must get to see it performed… any Juliets out there fancy the theatre?