&Juliet
It’s not very often that you watch a show and can’t find any faults with it, but with & Juliet it can honestly be said that we loved everything about it!
It’s vibrant set design (by Soutra Gilmour), lighting (by Howard Hudson) and costumes (by Paloma Young), its upbeat restyled pop tunes (music and lyrics by Max Martin), its funny script (book by David West Read) and its fantastic, relatable characters make it the perfect two and a half hours of escapism.
Following Juliet on her voyage through her new life as she searches for life after Romeo and a second chance at love, but one where she’s calling the shots. Defying her parents demands and setting off on an adventure with old friends and new, this rehash of Shakespeare’s classic love story has a much happier ending.
Directed by Luke Sheppard, it has a fast paced, quirky storytelling, the audience are focused from the start, it feels like no one has moved their attention from the stage for a second when we get to the interval. Jennifer Weber’s choreography somehow manages to give the feel of an Elizabethan court, whilst using current styles and the cast work seamlessly together throughout.
Video and production design by Andrzej Goulding gives some scenes a pop concert feel and completes the overall aesthetics of the piece, which is just glorious!
The cast have such a high standard of talent that it’s hard to pick out the best of an amazing bunch. Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet is a likeable lead with an incredible voice, belting out song after song perfectly, she is definitely one we will see more of in the future. Lara Denning as Anne is equally as stunning, her rendition of 'That's the Way It Is', is just breath-taking, and her relationship with Matt Cardle as Shakespeare is just adorable.
Sandra Marvin as Angelique (Juliet’s Nurse) and Ranj Singh as Lance (Francois’ father), are outrageously funny and we can’t help but feel how delighted Singh is to be making his musical theatre debut.
Additionally, Jordan Broatch as May and Kyle Cox as Francois have the right amount of uncertainty and angst that is not only relatable but has the audience vying for their happiness.
Finally, a special mention must go to Liam Morris who came on as cover for Romeo in Act 2, after Jack Danson became indisposed during the interval. He played the part of the resurrected, pitiful lover brilliantly.
Overall, this is an outstanding production, it literally has everything! A feel-good musical with the underlying message that it’s important to take back your own agency and live the life you want in the way that you want to!
This show was reviewed on the 7th October 2024 at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre where the show runs until the 12th October 2024. Tickets available here: & JULIET | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit: Matt Crockett
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