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Can’t you hear them ‘roar’? & Juliet the musical is wowing audiences in Manchester until Saturday 20 July 2024. Then it goes on a massive UK tour until June 2025!
Shakespearean history is being rewritten in this musical made for pop lovers everywhere. Having premiered in Manchester way back in 2019, it went on to the West End and even transferred to Broadway! Now, our city is kicking off the UK tour.
They have put a refreshing cocktail twist on the greatest love story of all time, Romeo & Juliet. Shaking up Shakespeare for the modern times. But, “to go or not to go, that is the question…”
Don’t forget to read my review of Burlesque the Musical! It is unmissable and returning to Manchester in October 2024!
& Juliet doth not have to sacrifice her young life for a silly boy
Anne Hathaway doesn’t like her husband’s, Shakespeare’s, ending to Romeo and Juliet. So, together they shape a new play and we get to see it all come to life.
You know the original score, they both die at the end in a desperate act of teenage lust. But not this time. In this new edition, Juliet ditches the old-fashioned narrative and chooses to take herself on a journey of self-discovery.
After the death of Romeo, she decides that running away from home with her besties is the only way to escape a life confined to a nunnery. This epic European road trip takes her all the way to Paris where she gets herself into a lit ball of a very wealthy family.
But with the wedded writers clashing heads, Shakespeare gets more impatient with the ‘basic’ plot and decides to inject some poison into the storyline. On brand much? Before we know it, love triangles, reincarnations and teenage emotions are making this remake a ‘Love Island’ worthy affair.
An explosion of personality and colour
The whole show is fast paced and high energy with an explosion of personality and colour.
Not only is the story modernised for the 21st century, so is the production surrounding it. The street inspired choreography is seriously slick, the graffiti filled set is urban and edgy and the costumes are trendy. Who new ruffles and sneakers would look fly?
And I’ve not even mentioned the humour. It’s properly funny. The dialogue is well written. Sharp, witty and silly whilst also being incredibly empowering and inclusive.
LARA DENNING, playing Anne, is my stand out for her hilariously awkward mum vibes, stellar vocals and forward-thinking feminist ideals. MATT CARDLE, as Shakespeare, entertains with superb character acting. GERARDINE SACDALAN, taking on the role of Juliet, showcases innocence, fierceness and stuns with a gorgeous voice.
A hit factory
This juke box musical is a hit factory. The pop tunes are to die for and includes songs by Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Jessie J and the Backstreet Boys, to name a few.
Iconic track, after iconic track, is thrown at you in big powerful numbers to more intimate, sensitive moments. From ‘I Kissed A Girl’ to ‘Larger than Life’ and ‘Oops I did It Again’ to ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’, it’s pop ecstasy.
It’s hard to refrain from singing along, but you simply must so you can enjoy the epic vocals on stage.
& Juliet is a powerful pop-centric musical that puts self-love and self-expression to the front and centre. It’s a joyous show that will leave you energised and inspired.
Playing at Opera House Manchester until Saturday 20 July 2024. Tickets from £13 (plus transaction fee). 2024/2025 UK Tour information here.
Photo credit: Matt Crockett