Tom Holland’s Romeo makes a tearful entrance that doesn’t align with the not-so-great reviews he has received for his portrayal in “Romeo & Juliet” on London’s West End. At the Duke of York’s Theatre, the atmosphere is more akin to a club, complete with electronic beats and a buzzing crowd eager to witness Holland, known for his Marvel superhero roles, tackle the iconic lover in Jamie Lloyd’s avant-garde production.

The stage is set with a foreboding soundtrack that contrasts sharply with the traditional expectations of Shakespeare’s tragedy. My pricey seat in the sixth row, costing £295 (approximately $377), highlights Holland’s draw, as tickets for the three-month run sold out within hours.

As the play begins, the lights dim and the music intensifies, eliciting jumps from the audience akin to a horror film’s effect. Holland’s Romeo first appears on screen, part of Lloyd’s innovative use of live video throughout the performance. When he steps onto the stage, tears streaming down his face, it’s a drɑmatic departure from his heroic screen persona. The initial shоck gives way to cоnfusion as Romeo expresses anguish over his infatuation with Rosaline, setting a tone of raw emotion that persists throughout the two-and-a-half-hour production.

Despite the intense performances from Holland, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet, Freema Agyeman as the Nurse, and Michael Balogun as the Friar, Lloyd’s unconventional staging, which includes actors addressing the audience directly and minimal props, seems to restrain the emotional depth. Critics have noted this as a drawback, questioning the decision to showcase a big-nɑme actor in such an experimental format.

While Holland’s return to the stage after a decade is marked by his commitment to portraying Romeo as a vulnerable and tormented soul, the production’s ambitious choices, such as pivotal scenes occurring offstage and via video stream, sometimes diminish the impact of the classic tale. Nevertheless, Holland’s chemistry with Amewudah-Rivers shines through, despite unconventional staging choices for their intimate scenes.

After the show, amidst a frenzy of fans outside the theater, Holland refrains from autographs and photos, maintaining a Hollywood-style aloofness. Despite mixed reactions to the production’s approach, fans appreciate Holland’s daring interpretation of the iconic role, finding it “interesting” and “different” from traditional adaptations.

In summary, Holland’s performance in “Romeo & Juliet” is a spectacle, though divisive in its avant-garde execution, showcasing his versatility beyond superhero roles to embrace Shakespearean tragedy with emotional depth and modern flair.