Having first seen & Juliet at its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in 2019, I was struck by its unique, vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved story. I revisited it on the West End in 2016, and the show’s appeal only grew with its witty humour and powerful themes. Now, on its national tour, & Juliet has landed at the Liverpool Empire, bringing with it a burst of fresh energy. Written by David West Read and directed by Luke Sheppard, the musical combines sharp humour with an empowering journey for Juliet, all set to Max Martin’s unforgettable pop hits—a jukebox of familiar anthems that make this musical both exhilarating and nostalgic.
Romeo & Juliet meets a pop revolution in this bold reimagining that takes Juliet’s fate into her own hands. What if Juliet decided not to follow Romeo into death? That question fuels her journey from Verona to Paris, accompanied by friends, humour, and pop hits that speak to the heart of her struggles and triumphs. Her lively best friend, May, and the spirited Anne Hathaway bring wit and depth to this adventure of self-discovery. Amidst the playfulness, Juliet’s journey addresses themes of identity, friendship, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own story, giving this classic tale a fresh spin. With laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt reflections, Juliet’s story unfolds as a vibrant celebration of independence and second chances.
The production’s technical elements are a feast for the senses. Soutra Gilmour’s set design effortlessly transitions between Verona and Paris, blending historical with contemporary in vivid colours and bold patterns. The lighting by Howard Hudson further enhances the mood, ranging from dramatic spotlights to colourful washes that reflect the emotional undertones of each scene. Paloma Young’s costumes merge Elizabethan styles with modern flair, from corsets and leather jackets to Juliet’s evolving wardrobe that visually tracks her journey. Max Martin’s iconic pop tracks power every scene, each number cleverly woven into the narrative, turning songs like “Since U Been Gone” and “Larger Than Life” into anthems of resilience and self-expression. The choreography, brimming with creativity and humour, brings another layer of storytelling, with playful moves and impressive ensemble work that elevate each musical number. Together, these elements create a multi-sensory experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally stirring.
Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet gives a show-stealing performance that is equal parts funny, fierce, and deeply moving. Her vocals are a powerhouse of emotion, perfectly capturing Juliet’s feisty independence. Lara Denning’s Anne Hathaway is a delight—she brings wit and warmth as she spars with Matt Cardle’s charmingly cheeky Shakespeare, whose own one-liners are sharp and delivered with spot-on timing. Sandra Marvin is unforgettable as Angelique, with a voice that fills the theatre and comedic flair that makes her character unforgettable. The cast’s chemistry shines brightly in group numbers, and Jordan Broatch as May and Kyle Cox as François add layers of nuance and charm, turning the romantic subplot into one of the show’s most heartwarming moments.
“& Juliet” is everything a jukebox musical should be: fun, heartfelt, and filled with moments that make you want to get up and dance. This production delivers joy with a message, reminding us all of the power in rewriting our own stories and the importance of self-discovery. With laugh-out-loud moments, emotionally charged performances, and music that resonates across generations, & Juliet is a must-see that will leave you with a full heart snd a big smile.
& Juliet is at Liverpool Empire until Saturday 2nd November 2024, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
If you would like more information about the show click the button below for the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Matt Crockett
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review
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