& Juliet - Milton Keynes Theatre

Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love - her way.  Everyone knows the tragic ending of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  What would happen if Juliet survived and decided to head for Paris with her mates to see a bit of the world?  Can you imagine?  Well, no need to imagine as &Juliet rips up the ending to rewrite this classic love story with a twist.  As is true of many Shakespeare stories, it’s not just two main characters with new adventures but also complicated side plots  So let’s go on Juliet’s journey with her.

Will Shakespeare is played by Jay McGuinness and what a joy he is to watch.  I loved his cool interpretation of Shakey and found him sexy, honest, with great comic timing.  His on-stage wife, Ann Hathaway, is played by Lara Denning.  Her voice is stunning, and this girl can act.  You could hear a pin drop as she hits notes that leave you with your mouth open in awe.  Anne asks will if she could have a hand in changing the ending.  As with all married couples, they don’t always agree on what fates are in store for both Juliet and Romeo.

Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet is just perfect.  Her voice is exceptional, and she is fantastic in the role.  A strong, independent woman who is standing up to her mother, breaking free from the expectations of society and living her best life.  What an empowering role.  And I want all her wardrobe!  I would 100% wear it all!  Tonight Liam Morris played Romeo, and he was fabulous as the slightly needy and weak Romeo that we were not expecting. Steps star Lee Latchford-Evans as Lance is not only French but funny. He has one of the best lines in the show when he asks ‘Are we not doing accents?’ (You will get it when you see it).  His love interest is Angelique played by Sandra Marvin.  She has not only a powerhouse of a voice but a personality to match. What a woman!

I love the queer romance in the show. Its LGBTQIA+ friendly and makes it not only progressive as a musical but inclusive for all. Jordan Broatch as May sings ‘I’m not a girl, not yet a woman’ in a way that made me think about the words of that song differently.  Their love interest is Frankie, played by Kyle Cox who learns to be his true authentic and more confident self throughout the show.

Juliet’s new story is told by a range of pop anthems including  Baby One More Time,  Roar, Since U Been Gone, As Long As You Love Me, and I Want It That Way — all from Max Martin, the genius songwriter/producer behind more number one hits than any other artist this century along with his collaborators.  The delivery of these classic 90’s and 00’s songs are genius.  My favourite part of the show is the ‘Backstreet Bois’ doing Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).  The irony of Lee from Steps jumping into a bad boy band was not lost on me but this number is worth the ticket price alone.  I loved, loved, loved it!  The whole cast are phenomenal and the sets and lighting are on point, making this show jump into my top 10 of favourites already.  Not bad for a first watch!  I have never seen a show with so much dazzle.  I love the concept and I love the empowering love story of being your authentic self.

It would be a tragedy to miss it. ‘&Juliet is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 12 April 2025.

For lucky ATG members, after the show there was a Q&A with some of the cast including Jay and Gerardine. What a fantastic treat to hear some honest answers from the cast about the show. If you want to get the VIP treatment, you can become an ATG member by clicking this link: https://www.atgtickets.com/membership/