Do you like pop music? Do you like pantomimes? Do you like a fun, outrageous night
out?
If the answer is yes, then this is most definitely the show for you! And if pop music isn’t really your vibe (a bit like me) then this is still a fun show, full of laughs and dancing that is well worth watching. With a unique blend of a Shakespeare back story, pop classics and a ridiculous plot, you’re not going to see another show like it.
Created by the writer of Schitt’s Creek David West Read, in 2019 ‘& Juliet’ took the West End by storm winning multiple awards including three Oliviers, one of which was for Best New Musical.
The play starts with Shakespeare himself telling his actors about the story of his new play ‘Romeo & Juliet’. His wife Anne is making a rare appearance at his theatre and thoroughly dislikes the ending he proposes, baffled at why Juliet would kill herself with her whole life ahead of her. Anne changes the narrative and gives Juliet the female empowerment that was lost in Tudor times as Anne is given control over the ending.
We see the story start as Romeo dies (sorry for the spoiler to Romeo & Juliet). Instead of Juliet killing herself though Anne makes her go on a journey of self-discovery accompanied by her two best friends and her ever faithful, slightly more sassy than in the original play, nurse (taking on the larger- than-life personality of the Dame role from pantos!).
The music, all written/produced by pop legend Max Martin, actually spans over 3 decades and includes hit songs such as Everybody, I Want It That Way, …Baby One More Time, It’s My Life and Roar (complete with golden confetti sprinkled on the audience). Don’t be fooled by the lack of musicians in the orchestra pit as a fantastic live band is being performed backstage, though some of the music is enhanced by pre-recordings.
There were many outstanding performances given throughout this show. Gerardine Sacdalan in the titular role of Juliet created a charismatic, lovable character with an incredible set of lungs on her. Her vocal gymnastics seemed utterly effortless as she danced and acted with equally ease, additionally impressive given her young age and with this being her first lead role: no doubt there will be many more to come for this talented performer.
Lara Denning (main image), playing Shakespeare’s wife, gave another star performance for me. She brought comedy and flair to the performance, holding the mantle for female empowerment throughout, despite the diminished role that her character Anne Hathaway has always held in history. And yet again, her voice was outstanding, holding long, impressively belted notes as she met the demands of some of the difficult parts of these well-known pop songs. She bounced well off her onstage husband, the one and only Williams Shakespeare, played by X Factor winner MattMcCardle. His voice was obviously excellent but he also had charm and wit, creating a role reminiscent of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The general style of the production was very modern and eye catching, a mixture of Tudor era meets pop band, in a very similar vain to ‘Six: The Musical’. The bright colours, AV and confetti guns made me feel at times like I was at a pop concert. Whilst the audience asides, comical puns, raunchy jokes and ridiculous story lines felt at other times like a pantomime for adults.
There were perhaps one too many ballads in Act Two for me (a common feature of a lot of musicals) and at times the woes of teenage angst only caused a limited amount of sympathy from me as a 39 year old with nearly 20 years of teaching teenagers. But the comedy, sharp and creative choreography and impressive chorus work helped to bring the energy of the show back up and it was these fun moments that really shone out. I left the theatre in high spirits (despite the snowstorm) and singing along incessantly to the songs: and I’m not even a big pop fan.
The show does have an underlining message throughout: it brings a very 21st century take to a well-known classic. On a side point, having a basic understanding of the synopsis of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ will help you understand some of the jokes and characters a bit more, although it isn’t essential to enjoy the play. But understanding the limited role that women often played in Shakespeare’s play will help you appreciate the reason behind this re-writing of one of his most famous tales. Not only does the play tackle the issue of female empowerment, it also delves into sexuality, gender identification, discrimination, self-acceptance and the concept of having the freedom to choose your own destiny. And it does it all whilst ensuring that audience enjoyment is at the core of everything that they do.
Fundamentally, even if pop music isn’t your thing, this is a fun, daft night out. If pop music is most definitely your thing, then you should make going to see this show your number priority whilst you can.
Have fun!
Photography by Matt Crockett.
Main image: Matt Cardle (Shakespeare), Lara Denning, Geraldine Sacladan and Sandra Marvin.
& Juliet is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 18 November to Saturday 30 November 2024.
Book tickets online at leedsheritagetheatres.com or call the Box Office on 0113 243 0808
