THIS WAS my first time reviewing ‘& Juliet’ and despite hearing lots of good things about it, I was wary of something that mocks Shakespeare’s finest tragedy. Add to that the label ‘juke box musical’ and I thought it could be ‘oh dear me’.
Happily, it is nothing of the sort – the book by Golden Globe winning writer David West Read is a masterclass in succinct storytelling, making every word matter.
Combine that with a back catalogue from maestro song writer Max Martin (who has written hits for Katie Perry, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears amongst others) adapting his well-known lyrics to the story and together they brew up a groundbreaking box of delights.
The story opens with William Shakespeare discussing his new play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ with his wife – the long-suffering Anne Hathaway. She asks him what would happen if Juliet doesn’t commit suicide after Romeo dies? At first, Will won’t entertain it, then is persuaded to try writing a ‘what if?’ version together – one in which Juliet starts a new life in Paris.
What follows is a joyous mixture of a reworking from a female and sometimes feminist point of view. Cleverly it mixes classic lines from his works with facts from Will and Anne’s personal life like the problems of separation – Will in London and Anne in Stratford – and the death of their son Hamnet.
Director Luke Sheppard has certainly worked magic with his high energy company and Jennifer Weber takes them to the peak of originality with her choreography. Soutra Gilmour’s setting coupled with video design and animation from Andrzej Goulding and Howard Hudson’s lighting combine to delight, bewitch, dazzle and enthral. Add a wonderful wardrobe from Paloma Young and it is indeed a splendid and spectacular journey we embark on.
The band under the electric baton of Marcus Carter-Adams are spot on the boom box and the sound design from Gareth Owen is the best I’ve heard at the Hippodrome.
Jay McGuiness makes a witty and charming William Shakespeare and Lara Denning is his perfect match as a feisty and strong-voiced Anne Hathaway.
Gerardine Sacdalan is everything you could want from the born-again Juliet – beautiful, gutsy, engaging and perfect pitched. Ben Jackson Walker has joined the company as Romeo, the role that marked his professional debut on Broadway. It was certainly a convincing and I’d say triumphant return.
Amongst this highly talented company my other stand out performances were from Jordan Broatch as a sensitive and engaging May, Ranj Singh oozing charisma as Lance and the powerhouse that is Sandra Marvin as Angelique the Nursemaid.
This may be a tongue-in-cheek version of the Baird’s star-crossed lovers tragedy, but the message of love in its’ many forms couldn’t come across more strongly. From the pre-show cast gathering on stage like old friends before the house lights dim, through to the all-join-in walkdown, it puts a huge smile on your face and leaves you thinking ‘what if indeed…?’
& Juliet runs until May 3 at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Click here for times, tickets and more information
*****
