Ad – press event – all views are my own
What if Juliet didn’t die for love? What if she got a second shot? One that involved a killer wardrobe, crashing soirees and belting Britney Spears without all the tragic Shakespearean baggage? Jukebox musical & Juliet takes that very idea and catapults it into a pop-fueled spectacle that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
At its heart, & Juliet is an anthem of self-discovery, second chances, and rewriting your story on your own terms. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, David West Read, the script is side-splittingly funny. Say more here about how it’s peppered with subtle references to the beloved sitcom. And honestly? David and Alexis Rose wouldn’t have been all that out of place amid the chaos – there’s the same playful irreverence and whip-smart dialogue that effortlessly balances irony with grit and truth.
Juliet, played by the phenomenal Gerardine Sacdalan, is a pocket rocket of powerhouse vocals and fearless energy, and executes the musical arrangements with real flair. Max Martin’s iconic pop catalogue, from Britney’s Baby One More Time to Katy Perry’s Roar has been reimagined, with some impressive mashups that blend Ariana Grende’s Problem with I Can’t Feel My Face by The Weeknd. Millennials in particular will delight in the nostalgic score, which boasts Backstreet Boys, Kesha, with a personal favourite being NSync’s It’s Gonna Be Me, which sees the writers nod to Justin Timberlake’s pronunciation and uses it for a central storyline quip.
While the show bursts with humour, colour, and high-energy, it also allows space for some real emotional weight, too. Jordan Broatch’s May is tenderly portrayed, offering a heartfelt look at gender identity and self-acceptance, with comparisons drawn to the ‘red wine/white wine’ scene of Schitt’s Creek. Their duet of Adam Lambert’s Whataya Want From Me with Kyle Cox’s adorably awkward Francois becomes one of the most meaningful moments in the show.
But it was Lara Denning’s Anne Hathaway (yes, Shakespeare’s wife – cleverly woven into the plot) who had the audience close to tears with a raw and emotional ending to That’s the Way It Is, made famous by Celine Dion. Lara’s portrayal of Anne is simply wonderful and she is very much the woman we all wish to have in our corner. She does a fantastic job at bouncing off Mr William Shakespeare himself, played by The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness, who gets an opportunity to showcase his boyband vocals in tracks like I Want It That Way. He delivers a delightfully chaotic, boyish Shakespeare with a mix of charm and comic timing that keeps the audience hooked.
And he’s not the only face you might recognise. The cast is peppered with familiar faces from the world of pop and TV, and they genuinely bring star power to the stage. Lee Latchford-Evans of Steps fame portrays Lance, a role that brings just the right amount of dad-dance energy and warm-hearted humour – not to mention a questionable French accent. And Sandra Marvin (Emmerdale, Loose Women, Call The Midwife) delivers a soulful performance as Angélique, blending commanding vocals with brilliant comedic instincts. Her duet of Teenage Dream/Break Free with Lee is certainly a highlight.
Despite being a relatively new production, having debuted in 2022, & Juliet has already picked up three Olivier Awards and six WhatsOnStage Awards. The production belongs to a new wave of musicals that are unapologetically feminist, inclusive, and vibrant, welcoming fresh narratives and fresh audiences into theatres. It’s a gateway musical for the pop-savvy generation, and if Six lit the torch for reimagining historical stories with wit and women at the forefront, then & Juliet picks it up and runs full speed. Catch it at The Regent Theatre until Saturday, May 17.
