Set in the familiar classic locations of Verona and Paris, the show begins with William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway pondering on what story would be told if Juliet had decided to embark on an empowering journey of self-discovery instead of following in Romeo’s footsteps and… you know the rest.
Along the way, she is joined by her best friends, family members, and meets new “acquaintances” that all help her tell Juliet’s story – using some of the most well-known music ever written.
Max Martin’s Incredible Songbook
The musical numbers are the heartbeat of this show, and with Max Martin behind the hits, you’re in for a night of pop brilliance. From Since U Been Gone to Roar, …Baby One More Time to I Want It That Way, every song lands with purpose and punch. The arrangements are clever, emotional, and often laugh-out-loud funny, turning nostalgic tunes into storytelling powerhouses. Alongside a script of the same calibre, Jay McGuiness helped deliver some of the best one liners from William Shakespeare.
A Sensational CastGerardine Sacdalan as Juliet is a total star, bringing the house down with almost every number she sang. Not only is her voice outstanding, but her dancing is among the best on stage too. She’s magnetic to watch and has that rare quality where you can’t take your eyes off her.
A special mention also has to go to Lara Denning as Anne Hathaway, who is absolutely flawless. Her acting, comedic timing and her vocals (!) – all of it delivered with class and control. Her performance of That’s the Way It Is was a clear highlight of the night for me, emotionally charged and vocally masterful. It genuinely gave me goosebumps.
A special mention to the ensemble of the show who are =full out on stage for the entire show, bringing the choreography Jennifer Weber to life in a really crisp and clean way.
Top Tier Production
Visually, the production is a knockout. The set and stage are vibrant, layered, and full of surprises, paired with bright, bold lighting and clever transitions, it felt like a real-life concert at times. The sound design is crisp and dynamic, balancing huge ensemble moments with intimate solos effortlessly.
A Powerful Story
What makes &Juliet even more special is how it weaves powerful themes of female empowerment and identity into the story. In a world where stories are often told about women, this one gives Juliet the mic or the quill in this case. The character journeys of François and May are handled with care and empathy, offering a heartfelt portrayal of acceptance and connection that feels incredibly timely and relevant.
From start to finish, & Juliet is a feel-good musical that leaves you smiling, laughing, and singing along. It’s bold, empowering, and packed with joy, a total triumph that’s not to be missed.
