Tom Holland received a warm welcome on Tuesday night, as he left the Duke of York’s Theatre to a huge crowd of adoring fans after the second preview performance of Romeo & Juliet.
The actor, 27, who stars as Romeo in the Jamie Lloyd production, looked delighted as he made his exit, clutching a cup of tea as he left.
The movie star cheerfully greeted the assembled crowd, waving enthusiastically and blowing kisses in thanks.
Tom cut an understated but stylish figure, layering a knitted sweater vest over a plain white T-shirt.
The Spider-Man star slung a grey messenger bag across his chest and also sported casual blue jeans and white trainers.
Tom Holland received a warm welcome on Tuesday night, as he left the Duke of York’s Theatre to a huge crowd of adoring fans after the second preview performance of Romeo & Juliet
The actor, 27, who stars as Romeo in the Jamie Lloyd production, looked delighted as he made his exit, clutching a cup of tea as he left
The movie star cheerfully greeted the assembled crowd, waving enthusiastically and blowing kisses in thanks
Grinning proudly, he was assured to his waiting car, but rolled down the window to continue waving at his fans.
And he has plenty to smile about, as the initial reactions to the modern adaptation of the Shakespeare tragedy have been very positive.
After being delayed due to technical issues, Romeo & Juliet finally opened in the West End on Monday, with the first attendees taking to social media giving their initial reviews.
The first night of previews was originally scheduled for Saturday, but the show was cancelled due to ‘technical aspects of the production needing further preparation.’
Audience members singled out lead stars Tom and Juliet actress, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, as ‘amazing’ and a ‘superb casting’.
Spilling the beans about what audiences can expect, many teased that the production was ‘violent’ and ‘creative’ with ‘unexpected humour’ and ‘lots of kissing’.
One woman who watched the production told : ‘I’ve never seen anything like it. It was an amazing production and a brilliant performance by Tom.
‘It was absolutely brilliant – there were so many jaw-dropping moments. The use of technology was incredible. There were cameramen who were part of the cast filming parts of it.
Tom cut an understated but stylish figure, layering a knitted sweater vest over a plain white T-shirt
The Spider-Man star slung a grey messenger bag across his chest and also sported casual blue jeans and white trainers
Grinning proudly, he was assured to his waiting car, but rolled down the window to continue waving at his fans
And he has plenty to smile about, as the initial reactions to the modern adaptation of the Shakespeare tragedy have been very positive
‘They weren’t just using the stage. They started in the dressing room, at one point they were in the bar then some of it took place out on the roof of the theatre – well I suppose that is where you would expect to find Spider-Man.
‘The only thing that was missing was the balcony scene – but then Tom came out at the end and did one after the show.
‘The whole thing was a real triumph. At the end there was a standing ovation from everyone in the audience. As Tom left the stage he did a little fist pump – you could see how much it meant to him.’
Other fans took to social media to laud the ‘palpable chemistry’ between the star-crossed lovers and declared that Tom’s big return to the stage ‘proves his acting chops’.
However, attendees were divided over award-winning director Jamie’s signature stripped-back staging, with several branding it ‘underwhelming’.
Photos shared online of the set show a modern and industrial style, with a large iron fence and block letters spelling out Verona, where the play is set, while the cast sported casual outfits, like black hoodies and T-shirts.
Snaps and videos taken at the curtain call showed an emotional Tom and Francesca hugging before being joined by the rest of the cast for a bow.
The play also stars 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).
After being delayed due to technical issues, Romeo & Juliet finally opened in the West End on Monday, with the first attendees taking to social media giving their initial reviews
Audience members singled out lead stars Tom and Juliet actress, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, as ‘amazing’ and a ‘superb casting’
They then made their way to the balcony of the Duke of York’s Theatre to wave at the huge crowds outside, who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars.
The play marks Tom’s first return to the stage after his West End debut in 2008, when he played the lead role in Billy Elliot the Musical at 12 years old.
Speaking about his casting, Jamie, 43, said: ‘Tom Holland is one of the greatest, most exciting young actors in the world. It is an honour to welcome him back to the West End.
After the show, Tom took to his Instagram to pay tribute to his co-stars and confess that it was ‘a highlight of my career’.
Sharing a photo with the cast, he wrote: ‘Tonight was the start of something so special. I’m beyond proud of our cast and crew who have gone above and beyond in every way.
‘I can’t wait for the rest of the run. Tonight was truly a highlight of my career and I’m so glad I get to share it with these incredible people. Love you all and see you tomorrow!’
While Tom’s mother, Nikki, took to her Instagram Stories to post a sweet tribute to her son, sharing a photo of him as Romeo next to a throwback shot of him on stage as Billy Elliot.
The production is set to run for 12 weeks until August 3, before it will reportedly transfer to Broadway later this year.
The play also stars 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)
After the show, Tom took to his Instagram to pay tribute to his co-stars and confess that it was ‘a highlight of my career’
While Tom’s mother, Nikki, took to her Instagram Stories to post a sweet tribute to her son, sharing a photo of him as Romeo next to a throwback shot of him on stage as Billy Elliot
And it has already garnered a great deal of excitement, with tickets selling out just two hours after going on sale in February, with fans comparing the stress as on par with trying to get their hands on tickets for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.
However, the lead up to the play has been marred by the ‘barrage of deplorable racial abuse’ it received, following the diverse casting being announced.
Francesca, in particular, found herself targeted by vile racists, causing the theatre company to issue a strongly worded statement, vowing to ‘continue to support and protect everyone in our company.’
The Jamie Lloyd Company shared: ‘Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. This must stop.
‘We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment.
‘We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported.’
It continued: ‘Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry or in our wider communities. Our rehearsal room is full of joy, compassion and kindness. We celebrate the extraordinary talent of our incredible collaborators.
‘The Romeo & Juliet community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love, and focus on the creation of our production.’
However, the lead up to the play has been marred by the ‘barrage of deplorable racial abuse’ it received, following the diverse casting being announced, with Francesca, in particular, being targeted (pictured)
This caused the theatre company to issue a strongly worded statement, vowing to ‘continue to support and protect everyone in our company’