Reviewed by Nikki Cotter
Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After bursting onto the musical theatre scene back in 2019, & Juliet has gone from strength to strength. There’s been a hugely successful West End residency, an on-going Broadway run, a recently announced US tour, a critically acclaimed Aussie offering and now a triumphant return to where it all began for the start of its first ever UK tour.
This joyful jukebox musical featuring Max Martin’s biggest bops rewrites The Bard’s tragic tale introducing some much-needed herstory, style and sass to proceedings.
After Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) tells hubby William Shakespeare (Matt Cardle) that his penned ending isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs, she sets about rewriting Juliet’s (Gerardine Sacdalan) story herself, opening up a whole new world for the star-crossed lover. As Juliet (with a little help from Hathaway) realises she wasn’t the only recipient of Romeo’s sweet nothings, she takes herself off on a road trip of self-discovery with nurse Angelique (Sandra Marvin), bestie May (Jordan Broatch) and ‘other best friend April’, Anne Hathaway, who cleverly writes herself into the story.
What follows is an absolute masterclass in musical theatre, from knock-out vocals to killer choreography, & Juliet has it all. This wonderfully diverse cast fuelled with classic pop hits and an infectious energy make this a sparkling night to remember.
The book, penned by Emmy Award-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read is as witty as you’d expect with micro-storylines introducing us to brilliantly written characters. While Jenn Webber’s iconic choreography perfectly emulates the nineties and noughties biggest bangers.
As Hathaway and Shakespeare, Lara Denning and Matt Cardle weave in and out of the narrative guiding us as both authors of the piece and players in the story, with Ann ultimately redesigning her own destiny too.
The pair have an incredible warmth and superb chemistry as they bounce off each other brilliantly. Their vocals blend beautifully while Denning receives a well-deserved mid-show standing ovation for her stunning rendition of Celine Dion’s That’s The Way It Is.
Gerardine Sacdalan is a smart and sassy Juliet, her powerhouse vocals more than do justice to the pop classics she so perfectly delivers, every note is pure pop perfection. From her first moments on stage you know this performance is going to be something special.
Jordan Broatch gives a beautifully executed performance as May with their delivery of Britney’s I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman packing an incredibly emotional punch while Kyle Cox as love interest Francois adds an unexpected yet brilliant twist to proceedings.
Sandra Marvin as Angelique is a scream. Her pairing with Ranj Singh (otherwise known as TV’s Dr Ranj) is pure joy, as she unleashes her inner urges the duo provides some of the biggest laughs of the night, it’s clear they’re having as much fun on stage as the audience is watching them.
Then of course there is Romeo who Jack Danson plays superbly. He’s a dorky douche bag who has made himself familiar with many a balcony, much to Juliette’s surprise.
The leads are supported by in incredibly talented ensemble who under Luke Sheppard’s direction really take this show to the next level. Their vocals are effortlessly on point through every complex piece of choreography, they are totally mesmerising.
& Juliet is a breath of fresh air, its infectious sense of joy will lift your spirit and warm your heart while it’s empowering themes will ensure you leave the theatre with a little more sass and sparkle than when you arrived. It’s well-researched historical references mixed with its celebratory themes, mega hits and hilarious script result in a truly gorgeous piece of theatre, the perfect night out for music lovers of all ages, poptastic!
& Juliet is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 20th July before heading across the UK and Ireland on tour tickets available here.
Opening Night 