Book: Daniel West Read
Music and Lyrics: Max Martin and Friends
Director: Luke Sheppard
A very enthusiastic and vociferous opening night audience were treated to the spectacular and pounding success that is& Juliet. It is not difficult to see why it has had a run in the West End and Broadway, played on four different continents and garnered a host of awards. The show presents a kaleidoscope of sound, lighting, dance, singing, colour, humour, costume and sheer verve and energy that is utterly infectious. There is even a PA announcement prior to the performance asking the audience to refrain from singing and dancing in the aisles so as not to disturb others, but in the finale some people couldn’t resist this, so joyous is the atmosphere created. This did not detract in any way from the performance and was evidence of the feel-good factor that was obviously apparent.
Shakespeare’sRomeo and Julietis such an iconic work and part of the literary canon that everyone is familiar with the story of the two star crossed lovers doomed to a tragic end. This show turns the whole premise on its head and asks what would have happened if Juliet had not committed suicide but had survived – how might her life have turned out, what further relationships might she have had and what other experiences would have fulfilled her as a person? Along the way the show explores such themes as identity, gender, ambition, lost opportunities, expectations, the nature of true love and what is really important. Director Luke Sheppard’s vision was always to present a true theatrical story rather than just an arbitrary collection of hits and with Max Martin’s vast back catalogue to hand he has succeeded wonderfully in showcasing girl power and modern identity.
The whole company deserve huge credit for their expertise, artistry and stagecraft and while everyone merits a name call only a few can receive a mention. Jay McGuiness and Lara Denning make a great Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, each telling the story from their own point of view with Anne always keeping one step ahead of her more illustrious husband. All of this was a bit Upstart Crowbut none the less entertaining for that. McGuiness’s Shakespeare was full of his own importance and worth but deep down was quite insecure while Denning brought Hathaway’s feelings of worthlessness and wanting to achieve something with her life very much to the fore. Their scenes together sparkled with wit and humour and were a joy to behold, not least Denning’s powerful and accomplished singing voice. Sandra Marvin as the Nurse Angeliqué was superb and her protective relationship and respect for Juliet comes to the fore in her final solo. She also finds lasting happiness with Lance (Michael Nelson), past lovers who rediscover each other and who provide a crowd pleasing comic duo. Jordan Broatch stands out as May, a conflicted character who finally finds acceptance in this created world. Shakespeare’s plays challenge gender binary which is one reason why May’s character is such a natural fit in & Juliet.There is room in this show for people as spectacular as May just as there are for them in the rest of the world.
While this show is all about Juliet there is still a part to be played by Romeo and Benjamin Jackson Walker does it full justice. Whether it’s blasting out the first half’s finale with It’s My Life or pledging his undying love (again) for Juliet, Walker has a whale of a time strutting around the stage and living up to his name whilst simultaneously appearing camp and foppish and, as one character calls him, a “douche.” Kyle Cox plays Francois, Lance’s son, with sensitivity who ultimately finds happiness in his relationship both with his father and others. And then there is the title character and Gerardine Sacladan gives a very winning performance whether it’s performing the songs or acting the role. It must be remembered that Juliet as written by Shakespeare was only 13 years old and, as Anne Hathaway points out, had her whole life ahead of her when she met her tragic end. The show explores just what that future might have entailed and Sacladan, in one of her early roles in a fledgling career, is one to watch.
The whole stage is awash with colour, movement and sound (played by a 6-piece band) all brought to life by a playlist of iconic songs made famous by the likes of Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys, Pink, Jon Bon Jovi and Justin Timberlake. A spectacular evening’s entertainment.
Runs until 31st May 2025, before continuing on tour