Baz Luhrmann’s iconic Romeo + Juliet is coming to Melbourne in a spectacular film concert next May, with the entire 1996 movie screening at the Palais Theatre alongside a live band performing its unforgettable soundtrack.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert will mark 30 years since Luhrmann’s genre-bending take on the Shakespearean tragedy first reached cinemas. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes remain at the centre of the story as doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet, while the film’s score and soundtrack will be recreated live by a hybrid ensemble.
The production brings together rock and orchestral musicians, vocalists, electronics and a DJ, creating a live accompaniment to the movie as it plays on the big screen.
For anyone who spent the ’90s with the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack on repeat, the setlist is packed with familiar favourites, including Des’ree’s Kissing You, The Cardigans’ Lovefool, Radiohead’s Talk Show Host, Garbage’s #1 Crush and Quindon Tarver’s Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good).
Released in November 1996, Romeo + Juliet topped the US box office and became the second film in Luhrmann’s Red Curtain Trilogy, following Strictly Ballroom and preceding Moulin Rouge!.
The Australian tour will begin with a world premiere at Sydney Opera House before travelling around the country, with the Melbourne performance taking place at the Palais Theatre in May 2027.
Tickets go on sale to the general public from 10am local time on 18 September. For more information and tickets, head here.
