- Written by Noor Nanji
- Culture correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Francesca Amodah Rivers will play Juliet in a new production of Shakespeare's romance
The theater company behind a new West End production of Romeo and Juliet has condemned the “unfortunate racist abuse” directed at one of its stars.
The show, which stars Spider-Man actor Tom Holland as Romeo, revealed the full cast last week, including Francesca Ameoada-Rivers as Juliet.
Jamie Lloyd's company said on Friday that there had been “a barrage of unfortunate online racist abuse directed towards a member of our company”.
“This must stop,” a statement said.
“We work with an amazing group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without being harassed online.
“We will continue to support and protect everyone at our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported.
“Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry or in our broader communities.”
Image source, Getty Images
Tom Holland is a 27-year-old British actor, best known for his role in the movie Spider-Man
This will be the actor's first time on stage as an adult, having starred in Billy Elliot The Musical as a child.
Amwudah-Rivers will make her West End debut opposite Holland, with the play directed by Lloyd.
The rehearsal room is “full of joy, compassion and kindness,” the statement said, adding that the company celebrates the “exceptional talent” of everyone involved in the show.
“The Romeo and Juliet community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love, and will focus on creating our production,” he added.
The show will be held at the Duke of York's Theater in London from May 11 to August 3.
