Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 9th November 2024
Reviewed by Gil Gardiner
5*****
It was fantastic! Amazing cast, great music and very entertaining modern twist on a Shakespeare’s tragic love story.
When Shakespeare (X factor’s Matt Cardle) is persuaded by his wife Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) to change Romeo and Juliet’s ending, Juliet (Geradine Sacdalan) is given a second chance of life, going on a wild trip from Verona to Paris with Anne, her best friend May (Jordon Broatch) and Nurse (Sandra Marvin). Things go awry when an unlikely love triangle unfurls and, spoiler alert, Romeo miraculously comes back to life.
We are treated to a hilarious and empowering adventure filled with iconic pop hits by Max Martin. The show is a non-stop party with a soundtrack featuring hit after hit after hit, songs like “Baby One More Time,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Oops I Did It Again” and “Roar.” The music is cleverly woven into the narrative, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere.
The cast is incredibly talented, with standout performances from the leads and the ensemble. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the show. Geraldine Sacdalan was excellent as Juliet, a rising star that I’m sure we will hear much more of in the future. Lara Denning also deserves special mention whose comic timing was matched by strong pure vocals; her rendition of Celine Dion’s “That’s The Way it Is” left the audience with goosebumps.
The production is visually stunning, with dazzling costumes and a dynamic set design. The lighting and sound design are also top-notch, enhancing the overall experience.
& Juliet is a fun, feel-good musical that is sure to leave you smiling. The audience were itching to get up and dance, and were straight up on their feet in the encore “Roar”ing their approval. There is no wonder that the show won three Olivier awards when it was in the West End. If you like your musicals rammed with pop hits you’re in heaven here – 30 pop songs delivered in two and a half hours. The messages of inclusivity, gender sensitivity and girl power hit all the right notes for a modern audience. It is a perfect choice for a night out with friends or family