With the news that 'original' Juliet, Laura Rees, was still recovering after falling from her balcony at a previous venue.
Then there was an oddly low-key entrance of arch enemies Capulet and Montague, struggling to be heard above an unconvincing street brawl.
But I soon found myself drawn into this otherwise solid performance by the English Touring Theatre at Blackpool's Grand Theatre.
Charismatic Mercutio (played by O T Fagbenle) was bawdy but still able to silence nervous giggles of watching Shakespeare students with his bloody death.
Adam Croasdell's Romeo captured the teenage spirit (as well as fluttering hearts) and was the perfect match for Davies Grey's Juliet, a faithful but childish young woman.
First class performances also from Marjorie Yates as Juliet's doting nurse and Michael Cronin as the misguided Friar Laurence.
And I loved the way the stage itself was prised open to reveal Juliet's subterranean grave, and how the surviving cast stared out at the audience at the end. Top stuff.
Romeo and Juliet is at The Grand until Saturday (November 8). To book 'phone the box office on 290190.
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