Tom Holland enjoyed a post-show cup of tea and waved to fans as he left the Duke of York’s Theatre following another performance of Romeo and Juliet on Saturday.
The 27-year-old Spider-Man actor stars as Romeo in Jamie Lloyd’s production, with Francesca Amewudah-Rivers playing Juliet.
Enthusiastic audience members greeted Tom as he left the London theatre on Saturday evening. He was seen holding a cup of tea as he exited the theatre, surrounded by fans capturing the moment on their phones.
Dressed casually in a dark red long-sleeved polo shirt with black trim, ribbed trousers, and white trainers, Tom appeared relaxed post-performance. The modern adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy has received positive initial reactions.
After technical issues delayed the opening, Romeo & Juliet premiered in the West End on Monday, and early attendees shared their favorable reviews on social media.
Originally scheduled for a Saturday preview, the show was postponed due to the need for additional preparation of technical aspects.
Audience members praised Tom and Francesca’s performances, calling them “amazing” and “superb casting.” Describing the production, many noted its “violent” and “creative” elements, “unеxpеctеd humor,” and “lots of kissing.”
One viewer told MailOnline, “I’ve never seen anything like it. It was an amazing production and a brilliant performance by Tom. The use of technology was incredible, with cameramen integrated into the cast.”
The unconventional staging omitted the balcony scene, though Tom performed it after the show to delight the audience. The production received a standing ovation, with Tom visibly moved and doing a fist pump as he left the stage.
Opinions on Jamie Lloyd’s stripped-back staging were mixed, with some finding it “underwhelming.” Photos showed a modern, industrial set with an iron fence and block letters spelling out Verona, and the cast in casual attire like hoodies and T-shirts.
Curtain call photos captured an emotional hug between Tom and Francesca, followed by the cast taking a bow. The play also features Freema Agyeman (Nurse), Michael Balogun (Friar), Tomiwa Edun (Capulet), Mia Jerome (Montague), Daniel Quinn-Toye (Paris), Ray Sesay (Tybalt), Nima Taleghani (Benvolio), Joshua-Alexander Williams (Mercutio), and Callum Heinrich and Kody Mortimer (Camera Operators).
The cast greeted fans from the theatre’s balcony, marking Tom’s first stage appearance since his West End debut in 2008 as Billy Elliot at age 12.
Director Jamie Lloyd, 43, praised Tom’s casting, calling him “one of the greatest, most exciting young actors in the world.”
Following the performance, Tom expressed his gratitude on Instagram, sharing a photo with the cast and calling the night “a highlight of my career.”
The production will run for 12 weeks until August 3, with plans to transfer to Broadway later this year.