Noah Jupe: From Critically Acclaimed Roles to Shakespeare’s Stage
A few hours before service at Ida, a charming Italian restaurant in West London, the atmosphere is already brimming with warmth. Despite a January downpour outside, inside a romantic ambiance is brewing. Amidst vintage Fellini posters, sit two of the most promising young actors of their generation – Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe – enjoying a pre-performance meal, playfully feeding each other pasta and sharing laughter. The scene feels less like preparation and more like a genuine connection.
A Budding Romance on and off Stage
“This is basically mine and Sadie’s entire relationship,” jokes Noah Jupe, after the cameras stop clicking. Their playful dynamic is perfect preparation for their upcoming starring roles in Robert Icke’s fresh take on Romeo & Juliet, opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Both actors are navigating a whirlwind period: Sink is concluding her decade-long run on Stranger Things, while Jupe is fresh off the Golden Globes success of Hamnet.
“We did a chemistry read together, which was only about an hour,” Sadie Sink recalls, glancing at Jupe for confirmation. “And then the next time we met, it was a full-on photoshoot for the posters you see everywhere!” They’ve already begun to anticipate each other’s thoughts, a testament to their growing rapport.
Icke’s Modern Take on a Timeless Tragedy
Icke’s vision for Romeo & Juliet isn’t focused on the tragedy itself, but on the delicate chain of events that lead to it. “It’s so fragile, the way the events lead to each other,” Icke explains. He draws inspiration from films like Sliding Doors, emphasizing how small moments can drastically alter fate. This production, set in a contemporary Verona, explores the idea that a slight delay could have prevented the lovers’ demise.
From ‘Stranger Things’ to the Globe: A Career on the Rise
For Sink, taking on Juliet is a natural progression after years as Max Mayfield on Stranger Things. “The show was a constant, and those people were constant,” she reflects, acknowledging the “craziness” of her newfound fame – over 31 million Instagram followers, ambassadorships with Prada and Armani Beauty, and a Bvlgari campaign. The show’s conclusion brings a sense of relief and joy.
Jupe, meanwhile, has been steadily building a remarkable career. His role in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, where he played the actor portraying Hamlet, earned critical acclaim. He proudly shares his brother Jacobi’s pivotal role in the film, stating, “I’m kind of looking for the people that didn’t cry [at Hamnet] and I’m like, ‘You’re a sociopath.’” Sink, to Jupe’s delight, admits to being “a mess” after watching the film.
A Formative Acting Education
Jupe’s journey began with early roles in Downton Abbey and The Night Manager, followed by standout performances in Le Mans ’66 and HBO’s The Undoing. He acknowledges that he didn’t follow a traditional acting path, but credits his experiences on set with providing a “formidable acting education.” He initially felt intimidated by Shakespeare, questioning whether he could tackle the Bard without formal training at institutions like Rada. However, Hamnet opened his eyes to the accessibility of Shakespeare’s work.
Reimagining a Classic
Icke’s adaptation of Romeo & Juliet aims to keep the story relevant and engaging for a modern audience. “It’s important for us to keep the story moving forward,” Jupe explains. “If the audience isn’t invested in the characters, the dialogue doesn’t matter.” The production will explore the complexities of the relationship, portraying it as both “sexy and mysterious” and “youthful and naive.”
Ultimately, the goal is to create a fun and captivating experience. As Sink puts it, “Let’s make it fun. After all, is that not the point of being young and in love?”
Romeo & Juliet will be at the Harold Pinter Theatre, SW1, from 16 March to 6 June.
