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Coming-of-age musical & Juliet hits Manchester to kick off its UK tour, after a remarkable run in London’s West End (picking up three Oliviers along the way). This modern adaptation of a Shakespearean tragedy brings the female to the forefront, showcasing that when it comes to love, there is life after Romeo.
Created by David West Read, Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, the musical begins as William Shakespeare’s (Matt Cardle) wife, Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) decides to rewrite the play with the question: ‘What if Juliet didn’t end it all over a boy?’
The musical features iconic pop anthems including Britney Spear’s ‘Oops! I Did It Again’, Katy Perry’s ‘Roar, and Back Street Boys’ ‘I Want It That Way all’, all from songwriter and producer Max Martin.
At Romeo’s funeral, Juliet (Geradine Sacdalan) discovers that she was not his only lover – he had recited fanciful poetry to many others. Juliet then decides to run away from home after her mother threatens to send her to a convent. With her friends April or Anne Hathaway, May (Jordan Broatch) and her nurse Angelique (Sandra Marvin) in town, they escape to Paris where each character faces different circumstances.
Matt Cardle as Shakespeare (front left) and the cast in & Juliet. Photography: Matt Crockett
Lighting up the theatre with bubblegum pop colours of fuchsia pink and mellow yellow, the extravagant visuals add layers of depth to the seamless backdrops. Those who had already seen the show were expecting the cast members to fly through the theatre during the performance of ‘BLOW’ by Ke$ha. Unfortunately, production had some technical difficulties, resulting in the cast being put on the spot and Manchester receiving a never-before-seen performance.
Stealing the show, Lance (Ranj Singh) brings comedic relief amidst the drama with his pretentious yet hilarious French accent. Françios (Kyle Cox) has a strained relationship with his father Lance, whose patience is wearing thin waiting for his last son to get married.
Ranj Singh as Lance and Sandra Marvin as Angelique in & Juliet. Photography: Matt Crockett
It would not be a Shakespearean tragedy without a love triangle, and we see May and Françios fall in love despite his engagement to Juliet. However, his character arc is one for the books as we see him progress from a shy introvert, to standing up for himself to his father and proclaiming his love for May.
It conspires that Romeo (Jac Danson) did not die from poison – he drank a sleeping potion. Meanwhile, the audience gets a glimpse into the marriage of Anne and Shakespeare. Anne reveals why it is important for Romeo & Juliet to be rewritten. She feels trapped in a one-sided marriage, as her husband is always away writing tragedies and love sonnets that are supposedly not about her. Anne reclaims her power through narrative as she rewrites Juliet as an independent girl who is unapologetically herself.
This production promises a feel-good romantic comedy with a message of empowerment that makes you feel like dancing the night away with the cast.
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