Curve Theatre Leicester – until 22nd February 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5*****
What if we rewrote the ending? “Maybe she doesn’t kill herself just because he killed himself?” It’s the question asked of Shakespeare from his wife Anne Hathaway, who enquires why all her husband’s female characters are such tragic figures. Together they rework the ending of Romeo & Juliet to have a more female empowered ending. Juliet doesn’t die, she goes travelling with her friends in search of adventure. However, unable to let go of his need for drama and darkness, devious Shakespeare takes matters into his own quill and throws some obstacles in the way, leading Anne to take a serious look at their relationship. The course of true love never did run smooth.
&Juliet is fun, funny and fabulous. The musical is essentially a showcase of Swedish songwriting superstar Max Martin’s music. The pop powerhouse is responsible for penning smash hits sung by the Backstreet Boys, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Britney Spears amongst others and the show is chock full of these. Throw in a rollicking romp of a story, elements of pantomime energy, with plenty of 4th wall breaking, oodles of dynamic dance numbers and we have an awesome show. The songs have been put into a different context, they now tell a different story.
What elevates &Juliet is its truly witty book by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read. With puns, word play and cracking humour that really hit the mark, the bard would be proud. Jennifer Weber’s choreography is a slick, stylish sensation. Paloma Young’s costumes, which modernise the renaissance bring some much-needed Medieval rizz.
Lara Denning is a joy to watch as Anne Hathaway. Playful yet powerful, she has such a fabulous rapport with Jay McGuiness, (from ‘The Wanted’) who plays William Shakespeare with such cheeky appeal. Gerardine Sacdalan gives a stunning performance as Juliet, her rendition of ‘Hit me baby one more time’ is incredible. She is relentlessly good and delivers hit after hit, performance after performance with aplomb.
The relationship between Nurse Angelique, played by Sandra Marvin and Lance, played by Lee Latchford-Evans (from ‘Steps) offers some delightful comic relief and marvellous musical moments. The journey for Juliet’s gender fluid best friend May, played by Jordan Broatch and Francois de Bois, played by Kyle Cox is wonderfully explored and beautifully unfurled. It provide some lovely tenderness.
&Juliet is about writing your own story, flipping the script and not following the norms. It’s a tale of empowerment, challenging authority, and listening to your heart. Nostalgic, life affirming, &Juliet is high octave, high energy and highly entertaining.