A jukebox musical, where most of the musical numbers are well-known hits, this is certainly a jukebox musical for the ages, which is borne out in the audience for tonight’s show. From primary school-aged children to their grandparents, we are all in attendance to watch this Broadway hit come to life on stage in our city.
You may not know the name Max Martin, but as second only to Paul McCartney when it comes to chart-topping hits, you most definitely know his songs. Think Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Katie Perry, and Backstreet Boys, and you begin the understand the calibre of his hit-making success.
The musical is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet…with a twist…what would happen if Juliet didn’t kill herself when she thought that Romeo was dead? If this isn’t a feminist cry for autonomy in our own decisions, I don’t know what is! The female voice is alive and kicking in this one, with Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, taking control of the Baird’s quill and re-writing theatre history. Anne is played beautifully by Lara Denning, with perfect delivery, excellent comic timing and a remarkable voice. After Anne writes herself into the story as April, Juliet’s second best friend, Shakespeare’s wife comes to the fore, alongside May, Juliet’s non-binary bestie, played with melancholy and joy in equal measure by Jordan Broatch.
From the opening numbers, ‘Larger than life’ and ‘I want it that way’ (both Backstreet Boys’ bangers), the scene is set for a story of girl power, when Anne Hathaway hatches a plan for Juliet’s new destiny. Following hot on their heels, Britney makes an appearance with ‘…Baby one more time’, as Juliet Capulet, played by the sensational Gerardine Sacdalan, laments her loss and begins a journey of self-discovery to find out what might have been without Romeo. Gerardine recently graduated from drama school, and this is her first job, but you wouldn’t know that as she performs the role as if it were made for her. We’ll no doubt see much more of her in the future.
The Baird is played with good humour and silky voice by Matt Cardle, who desperately tries, in vain, to keeps the love story tragic. It is anything but tragic, with cool comic deliver from the Gaelic Lance (played by a rather wonderful Ranj Singh), father of Juliet’s new love interest François (a gallant Kyle Cox), hosting a wedding that sees all hell break loose with star-crossed lovers all over the stage.
The themes of girl power, feminism and gender identity are explored through the hits that keep on coming. Indeed, it is remarkable how the 16th and 17th century writings of Shakespeare are so beautifully expressed in the language of the pop world. Self-doubt, self-discovery, the tragedy, and majesty of love. Max Martin has the knack of tuning into our primal fears and desires in the same way as Shakespeare. The language of love never changes.
The ensemble is perfect in voice, movement, and timing, generating such positive energy on the stage that they light up the theatre. They are assisted by a wonderfully imagined and colourful set that takes us on a visual journey from London to Verona and Paris, and a sea of expertly crafted middle-ages-inspired costumes.
If you attended the first night, you’ll know there was a slight technical hitch during the first half, but as I have only just remembered it, it shows how little it mattered. And that makes for a unique performance of & Juliet.
If you love the Baird, 90s bangers, and the tragedy of love, & Juliet will delight.
