A story adaptation is one thing, but for a musical to decide to take on Shakespeare is a brave move - but & Juliet demonstrates beautifully the method of modernising and expanding on something that creates magic.
The story follows Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway as she decides his conclusion to one of the worlds most famous plays isn't really all its cracked up to be. She re-jig's a few bits and we find out what would happen if Juliet ditched her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
After a run in London’s West End, picking up three Olivier's and six WhatsOnStage Awards, & Juliet is taking it's fresh take on musical theatre out on the road.
This show finds itself existing in somewhat of a dichotomy. Like the fool I am, I passed off it's hype as just that - an over-excitement perpetuated by social media. However I couldn't have been more wrong. This show is an absolute phenomenon.
One of the stand-out features of any musical is its soundtrack, and this show is unashamedly a jukebox musical. Featuring a playlist of pop anthems, with Max Martin as the common denominator, we're treated to a mix of Britney, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys and Pink sung by an ensemble and a cast of principals who bring them to life with an effortless power.
What was also incredibly well received is the apparent ease with which this 'album; of hits are slotted into the show. So often with a jukebox musical, a tenuous connection can mean that even 'crowbarred in' would be an understatement, but & Juliet is a masterclass in subtlety. I kid you not - these are 29 of the biggest hits of the last few decades but they feel like they were written for the show.
Whether it's a beautiful lyric which just fits the scenario, or a seed that's planted and develops - like naming a character so as to perfectly fit the lyric of a song mid-way through act 2, the effort that's been gone to is a production in its own right!
Matt Cardle and Lara Denning take on the roles of Shakespeare and Anne respectively, and are an absolute JOY together. Their chemistry, playfullness and superb comedy timing make them stand out and some of Anne's one-liners are executed with the perfection of a stand up who's been on stage for decades.
Talking of double act's, we need to mention Sandra Martin and Ranj Singh who are sublime as Angelique and Lance. I have yet to find a stage that Marvin hasn't torn up with her talent and, whilst there were definitely questions asked about adding a TV doctor to a West End transfer, Ranj is more than worthy of the role. His performance tonight was brilliant and long may his stage career continue!
However, for me, performance of the evening has to go to Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet. As the baby of the cast, the role epitomised her own character. Strong, confident and exceptionally talented, it felt like the part was written for her and her career is clearly about to sky rocket.
All in all, this show is a resounding success. The soundtrack is infectious, the story is addictive and the cast are stunning. It's proof, if it were needed, that new musical theatre can take on the world - and win.
This show takes feel-good and turns it into feel-GREAT.
& Juliet Plays at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until 12th October 2024. For tickets, head online to grandtheatre.co.uk.
