& Juliet is a night of sing-along-fun and a happily maybe after.
This West-End show opened back in 2019. The following year, it was nominated for nine Laurence Oliver Awards, including Best New Musical.
It describes itself as ‘The greatest love story of all time. Remixed.’
After theatres everywhere had to close their doors in 2020 due to COVID-19, the show returned in 2022.
A timeless tale served with tantalizing twists
The show is a modern take on Romeo & Juliet, like you’ve never seen before.
Imagine if Juliet hadn’t taken the fake poison. And if Romeo hadn’t turned out to be what he seemed. That’s where the show starts and takes us on a brand new journey.
In this musical version, the famous play is rewritten by Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. For too many years, she’s watched her husband put his love of playwriting above their marriage. She decides to flip the script and give herself and Juliet a stronger voice.
Unlike the original play, Juliet is no longer 13 years old. Otherwise, in today’s context, child services would need to get involved.
In the rewrite, Juliet gets upgraded to be in her 20s and goes on a lifetime trip with friends from Verona to Paris.
The show’s twists and turns are accompanied by a medley of ballads and dance tracks from Britney Spears, Celine Dion to Katy Perry.
All the while, Juliet is searching for independence from her boyband of suitors.
The standout characters are the supporting roles. In this version, Anne Hathaway and the father of one of Juliet’s love interests, King Lance Du Bois, provide the most laughs. Meanwhile, Juliet’s dutiful nurse shows great grit and devotion.
Shakespeare, who also features in the show, and the main character of Juliet, are somewhat eclipsed.
Will our Juliet and Romeo find happiness?
This is the classic story reimagined with modern-day characters and non-binary romances. Tear-jerking moments are switched out for humour and hope. The tragic ending is replaced with a happily maybe after.
The audience cheers throughout, giving their explicit approval of this sing-a-long night out. Their infectious enthusiasm added to the experience.
If you’re not a fan of teen pop, this one’s not for you, as there’s a lot of it. Britney Spears especially seems to dominate the show’s soundtrack. Although there were some funny moments, there was nothing side-splitting. Mainly it was one-liners tending towards the corny and predictable.
Nevertheless, for a night of Shakespearean revival, a trip down the 90s and 2000s pop music memory lane, and an audience you could become fast friends with, the show does a stellar job of ticking the boxes.
& Juliet played at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, WC2H 8DP until March 2023. https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk/