Intermission Youth Theatre Present LOVE ME TO DEATH, Inspired by ROMEO AND JULIET

Two London boroughs both alike in poverty, south and east - she's from E8 and he's from southeast, where Intermission tell their tale. These two lovers fight for their love despite the backlash of each hood.

Through drama, Intermission Youth Theatre engages young people from London's inner-city communities who are at risk of offending or who lack opportunity and introduces them to Shakespeare,arguably one of the best story-tellers of all time. Each year a new Shakespeare inspired play is developed by Artistic Director Darren Raymond and The Youth Theatre members, using personal experiences to connect with the themes and stories.

Mark Rylance became a Patron of Intermission Youth Theatre in 2014 after he was deeply impressed by their performance of Taming Who?

Of the company Mark Rylance has said:

"Intermission is the most exciting young peoples theatre company I have ever witnessed. Not only are their productions witty and original, but you feel they are using Shakespeare to reveal their own culture of youth growing up in London today. I love this company and greatly admire all they do. They are an inspiration to me."

Intermission Youth Theatre's impressive reputation has seen them perform with The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford upon Avon, where Creative Associate Jamie Luck said:

"Intermission's Youth Theatre productions sit easily alongside the strongest professional realisations of Shakespeare I've ever seen. Their recent explosive performance at the RSC was nothing short of a revelation."

Artistic Director 34-year-old Darren Raymond had been in jail for three years when the opportunity to sign up for a course offered by The London Shakespeare Workout arose. The organisation's aim to "utilise the language of Shakespeare as a tool, a stepping stone to change through effective interaction". His job sees him work with ex-offenders, young people at risk of offending, lacking opportunities and young aspiring actors. During his successful eight years at Intermission Youth Theatre the company has spawned much talent, with several pupils gaining professional representation-including Tosin Cole, who was cast in the latest Star Wars- having been spotted in productions written and directed by Raymond.

Darren's achievements as an actor and director are numerous, in 2011 he was invited to Buckingham Palace by the Queen, where his was recognised for his contribution to his work in the arts.

Previous productions include:

Rise & Fall inspired by Julius Caesar, exploring rivalry and knife crime.

Taming Who? inspired by The Taming of the Shrew, exploring love and relationships;

The Playground inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream, exploring the idea of substance abuse;

Wasted inspired by Julius Caesar, exploring the world of knife crime.