Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 14 June 2025
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as this show takes Shakespeare’s play and gives it a complete makeover by asking: What if Juliet lived? Juliet ditches her famous ending for a new beginning and a second chance at life and love – her way. The show was created by the Emmy-award winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek”. This show is pure escapism and will most definitely leave you in a good mood. While light and fun, the show also offers a resonant message about finding one’s own path and embracing individuality and empowering themes.
Featuring around thirty hits from pop supremo Max Martin, the show is visually stunning from start to finish, bright and colourful costumes, sets and lighting, creating a visually engaging experience. It has all the hallmarks of a pop concert: confetti cannons, cast members flying above the stage, tightly choreographed dance routines and strong performances. The lyrics take on new meaning, sometimes shifting your entire perspective on a song you thought you knew. It’s a testament to the clever plot writing and most definitely enhance and drive the story.
It’s Shakespeare’s wife Anne, who asks the questions and demands autonomy for Juliet; in doing so, she also flips the script on the Bard himself, probing into their own troubled relationship and his tortured genius act.
The entire cast is phenomenal but at the heart of & Juliet is a powerful trio of Juliet (Gerardine Sacdalan), Angelique (Sandra Marvin) and Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning). They infuse their characters with humanity, exquisite comic timing and vocals which will blow you away. Denning’s solo “That’s The Way It Is” is an undeniable stand out moment, her vocals were incredible, and roars of applause followed. Shakespeare (Jay McGuiness) shares brilliant chemistry with Anne, their scenes bursting with Shakespeare‘s wit and charm and the duet “I Want It That Way” was excellently delivered. Romeo (Benjamin Jackson Walker) was excellent at playing the lovestruck, naïve teenager and has lovely voice. Lance (Lee Latchford-Evans) delivers a comical performance – with a good accent and when he shares the stage with Marvin, it’s an absolute joy to watch.
The show is lauded for its themes of female empowerment and inclusive attitudes towards gender and sexuality, with the character May being cited as a key example. May (Jordan Broatch), is non-binary, tenderly exploring these feelings through Britney Spears’ I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman.
The humour, high-octane production and the songs make it irresistible. It ticks every box for me, and a great night out! It is 100% worth watching and It’s not to be missed!