Sir Kenneth Branagh's Teen Film Project Shows Love, ’Twas Ever Thus
Sir Kenneth, who recently worked with Barnardo's on two short films, says the projects taught him love hasn't changed since Romeo and Juliet

Evening Standard, 7 July 2016
By Rashid Razaq

Sir Kenneth Branagh says working on a film project about love and teenagers has shown him that not much has changed since Shakespeare wrote 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Millions around the world will see the two short films, made by the actor-director and young people helped by charity Barnardo’s, tonight when they are broadcast to 4,000 cinemas before a screening of Sir Kenneth’s production of 'Romeo and Juliet' live from the Garrick Theatre.

Richard Madden and Lily James play the tragedy’s star-crossed lovers, and a group of 16 teenagers worked with Sir Kenneth to make mini-documentaries inspired by the tale.

Sir Kenneth said: “It was fantastic to work with the young people from Barnardo’s. Their insight showed many of the issues affecting young people today haven’t changed from 400 years ago, when Shakespeare wrote his enduring tragedy.”

The films were recorded at Barnardo’s HQ in Barkingside, east London, and include interviews with teenagers who have been supported by the charity. They tell of their own experiences of love and their ambitions and hopes for the future.

Abi Bell, 18, who uses the charity’s services in Ilford, said: “It was great to share the experience with other young people. I’m really excited to see us all up on the big screen.”


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