Book: David West Read
Director: Luke Sheppard
There are a massive 28 big numbers in the & Juliet musical – and you will recognise most of them. Astonishingly, they were all produced by Max Martin, who has has written just as many US number ones. From the opening moment the monster beats of huge pop anthems fill the stage, only outshone by the massive smiles and energy of the cast.
Jay McGuiness of The Wanted and Strictly Come Dancing fame is Shakespeare, dressed, like all the cast, in a costume combining athleisure with multiple levels of Elizabethan detailing. And boy, the freedom of trainers and trackies is needed for the ensuing dance moves.
Mrs Shakespeare, stuck in the countryside with the kids, is sick of being taken for granted while husband Will is enjoying fame in London, having fun writing all those plays. She wants a bit of the action too!
& Juliet is all about upending expectations. Mrs S – Anne Hathaway – and Will battle over how the plot develops as the audience see it enacted, both also taking on roles in this play within a play, or rather, musical.
Lara Denning as Anne is a force to be reckoned with, combining a quick wit with pointed expressions, sharp dance moves and magnificent vocals.
Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet though. What a powerhouse. In only her second role since leaving drama school she effortlessly belts out one hit after another, from Britney’s …Baby One More Time to Katy Perry’s Roar, with many in between. Then she can move into a quieter moment – there are a few – with no trouble at all.
By the interval the mega hits and panto-level energy have reached their peak and afterwards a slightly more reflective hour ensues as all the loose ends are skilfully tied up. Writer David West Read was part of team behind TV’s wonderful Schitt’s Creek. He knows how to raise a laugh and the Newcastle audience certainly obliged, even for the worst of jokes, delivered knowingly. He also includes some choice language – parents take note.
Anne and Juliet’s duet, The Way It Is, is a real highlight, along with the amazing transformation of Juliet’s costume for Roar. Hats off to costume designer Paloma Young.
Set designer Soutra Gilmour creates plenty of pop concert-like moments as singers are raised high above the stage in different ways, assisted of course by Howard Hudson’s lighting and plenty of confetti – always a favourite touch for onlookers, if not the theatre’s cleaning staff. And a jukebox takes centre stage for this jukebox musical.
McGuiness has said the show reminds him of his boy band days, but here he is, mostly, a calm centre for the show.
Juliet’s nurse, also a central character, is played by Emmerdale’s Sandra Marvin – another cast member with golden vocals and, as in Shakespeare’s original play, often the source of fun. Lee Latchford-Evans, as her erstwhile beau Lance, has his comedy chops well-honed too, along with a memorable wiggle.
Jordan Broatch gives a joyful and touching performance as Juliet’s pal May and Kyle Cox’s shy Francois is very winning. Benjamin Jackson Walker is a very funny Romeo. Oh yes, he is in it too.
A live band accompanies what makes for a hugely entertaining and, in contrast to Shakespeare’s tragedy, a very happy night at the theatre. Thanks, Mrs S!
Runs until 7th June 2025
