The timeless tale of doomed love between Romeo and Juliet has been retold for centuries and Kenneth Branagh’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s play at The Garrick Theatre is no exception, as he takes the audience back to post-war Italy.

Lily James and Richard Madden reunite as the star-crossed lovers after previously working together in Branagh’s Disney film, Cinderella and deliver fast-paced portrayals of two teenagers who find true love but cannot escape the confines of a society defined by patriarchy and rivalry.

The theatre, in Charing Cross, was refurbished last year but as you walk into the foyer, there is still a sense of Victorian charm and a feel of stepping back in time, particularly as the balconies are adorned with cherubs holding up shields inscribed with the names of famous historical playwrights.

Kenneth Branagh’s interpretation has certainly captured the intensity of the love affair, while also extracting a great deal of humour from the actors throughout.

The audience appreciated the many subtle jokes and witty delivery of certain lines. During the interval, it was almost a shock to discover many of the spectators were his fellow actors and television personalities.

Graham Norton attended, as well as former Doctor Who Matt Smith and also Maggie Smith, who was perhaps there in support of her co-star from Downton Abbey, Lily James.

The set was made up of grey bricks and columns, which may have seemed drab at first but managed to fit well with scenes that were both outside and indoors.

Branagh’s Romeo and Juliet was set in Verona in the 1950s, rather than the 1590s and was full of Italian charm as people in the streets sipped coffee, greeted each other with “ciao” and the rival Montague and Capulet families were reminiscent of the Mafia.

Romeo was played by Richard Madden, who is most famous for his role of Robb Stark in Game of Thrones. It took a lot of convincing at first to take him seriously as the leading male, as he seemed too muscular and superficial to truly convey the depth of Romeo’s flawed nature. However, as the play progressed, he surprisingly conveyed the irrationality and weaknesses of a boy who let his emotions rule his head, leading to him killing Tybalt in a moment of rage and rushing to take his own life upon seeing Juliet on her fake deathbed.

Romeo’s friend, Mercutio, was portrayed by Derek Jacobi, who is a seasoned Shakespearean actor. He delivered his lines with great comedic effect and his camp interpretation had the audience laughing every time he stepped on stage.

It was slightly odd to see such an age gap between Benvolio and Romeo and Mercutio, as Jacobi is nearly 80-years-old, but it seemed the idea was that his character was supposed to be an old man who enjoyed the company of younger people.

Juliet was played by Lily James, known for playing Lady Rose in Downton Abbey. She was believable throughout as the young, naïve girl who feels the giddiness of first love but also embodies a lot of strength and determination at the same time.

She performs this very well in the balcony scene, where Romeo and Juliet despair after discovering they are from rival families and Juliet delivers the famous line, “wherefore art thou Romeo?”

The different layers of her character were accentuated by Michael Rouse’s chilling and terrifying portrayal of Lord Capulet, who wants his daughter to keep up the appearances of his family and marry for status, rather than love.

Romeo and Juliet may not have survived the rivalry and pressures of their families but Branagh proves their love is everlasting no matter the setting.

Star rating: *****

Romeo and Juliet, Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road, Westminster, until August 13, 7.30pm. Details: www.branaghtheatre.com