A camp, pop-powered delight that breathes fresh life into the Bard’s most tragic heroine
What if Juliet didn’t die? That’s the question at the heart of & Juliet, the joyful and irreverent jukebox musical that brought glitter, laughs and some serious vocals to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre on May 20.
With a pre-show party atmosphere, dancers weaving through the audience and a jukebox blaring iconic pop hits, the stage was set for something electric. The show reimagines Shakespeare’s classic by asking: what if Juliet had a second act? Encouraged by a spirited Anne Hathaway (brilliantly played by Lara Denning), Juliet ditches the tomb and heads off with her friends in search of fun, freedom and self-worth.
Backed by Swedish record producer and songwriter Max Martin’s pop back catalogue, from “Since U Been Gone” to “Roar”, the result is a high-energy spectacle that’s slightly silly but wildly entertaining.
The performances are generally excellent, especially the vocals. Gerardine Sacdalan is magnetic in the title role, blending sass and sincerity, while TV doctor and ex Strictly contestant Ranj Singh as Lance delivers comedy gold without ever veering into caricature. Vocals across the board are powerhouse; the choreography is slick, making the show a joyful experience. The set meanwhile, is a riot of colour, and the narrative playfully blurs the lines between writer and characters; with Jay McGuiness as Shakespeare and Anne stepping into the action themselves.
Bright, bold and buzzing with life, & Juliet is more than just a remix of a classic. It’s a glitter-drenched reminder that sometimes, the best endings are the ones you write yourself.
