2 weeks Ago
Wrenched from the depths of the 1500s and dropped slap-bang into the 21st century, & Juliet explores what would happen if, in fact, Juliet didn't die (spoiler alert for those who don't know the play!) and instead, went off on a whole new adventure to Paris, where she met a new man and discovered her true self. Told through the eyes of Shakespeare himself and his long-suffering wife, Anne Hathaway – who insists the story should have a happier ending – the audience is whisked on a fast-paced journey of romance, friendship and no small amount of comedy, concluding with an overwhelming sense of empowerment, equality and self-belief. One of the (admittedly, very few) things I dislike about newer musicals is not knowing the songs.
No such complaint with & Juliet, whose score features pop hit after pop hit from the likes of Britney, Katy Perry, Jessie J, Bon Jovi and the Backstreet Boys. The songs are so cleverly woven into the story, it's as though they were written specifically for the show. And there's even an boy band appearance.
The entire cast is full of energy from the get-go, with Geraldine Sacdalan giving a positively effervescent performance as Juliet. She may be small, but boy does she have some mighty vocals. I had first thought Lara Denning as Anne Hathaway had a slightly less powerful voice, until, out of nowhere, she belted out a simply jaw-dropping rendition of Celine Dion's That's The Way It Is in Act Two.
X Factor's 2010 winner Matt Cardle looked right at home playing Shakespeare, while TV's Dr Ranj Sing had brilliant comic timing as Lance. Sandra Marvin, Jordan Broatch and Kyle Cox also gave impressive performances as nurse Angelique, Juliet's BFF May and love interest François respectively. Not forgetting the powerful voice of Jack Danson, as lovestruck Romeo himself.
Wickedly clever, fast-paced and full of fun from start to finish — you'll be laughing, singing and dancing the whole way through. Just brilliant..
