& Juliet at Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by H Chan
We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, but what if Shakespeare and his wife changed the narrative? What if Juliet just woke up and decided to start fresh somewhere new? You just might find out in this musical written by David West Read, of Schitt’s Creek fame, and with music by Max Martin, the world famous songwriter, and friends.
We were invited to watch & Juliet at The Regent Theatre in Stoke, as part of its tour. I didn’t know what to expect, and I’m glad I hadn’t read ahead for any spoilers, because it really is a show that you want to see unfold before you when you see it for the first time. It’s very clever the way it is woven together.
As mentioned, & Juliet explores what might have happened, should Juliet not have died alongside Romeo.
It is a small cast, but all of them memorable. With Gerardine Sacdalan, who was amazing as Juliet, her energy as she danced across the stage was phenomenal and Jay McGuiness, who played Shakespeare himself, was so loveable and had a great voice. I really enjoyed how the story between he and his wife was told. My favourite characters, were Nurse Angelique, played by Sandra Marvin and Lance, played by Lee (From Steps) Latchford-Evans, but the whole cast were incredible. Sandra actually made me cry with her version of Perfect.
Romeo was played by Benjamin Jackson Walker, and his ditzy, dramatic version of Romeo had us in stitches. Also in the cast, was Juliet’s best friend May, played by Jordan Broatch, I felt this character grew so much with the show, adding depth, who went on to have a huge story of their own to tell, and it was worth waiting for. Kyle Cox, played Lance’s son, who came into Juliet’s life at just the right time for chaos to fall.
I have to give a special mention to Anne, played by Lara Denning, wow, what a voice! Her version of That’s the way it is….. I have no words for how beautiful it was!! The audience were on the edges of their seats.
The band and the ensemble were fantastic. They created an atmosphere of fun and energy, we just wanted to be dancing along with them.
The show, as a whole, is absolutely brilliant. I want to see it again tomorrow. I loved the story line, and even though there isn’t much actual dialogue in the show, the songs chosen to move the story along were perfect. Some of them, I don’t think I can listen to the same again, as they have taken on a whole different meaning. I honestly don’t think you’ll be able to get through the first five minutes without laughing. It is incredibly funny. The music was a huge part of what made the musical. It sounds a strange thing to say, but with songs like Larger than life, Oops! I did it again and As long as you love me, it was like going back to the 1990’s.
I loved the choice of costumes and sets. Elizabethan mixed with the 1990’s were a feast for the senses. Tunics, waistcoats, and old fashioned dresses were teamed with glitz and denim. Hats off to the designers of their wardrobe.
The Regent Theatre, is a favourite of mine, and as always the staff were amazing and friendly. There is always a great variety of shows, something for everyone. There are several car parks close by, and we felt very safe walking from the car to the venue. I watched the show with two friends of mine, and my daughter who requires wheelchair access. We had no issues at all with access, and everyone we met offered assistance should we have needed it.
What an opening night!
It was unanimous, we gave the show five out of five stars easily. My favourite of the year so far, it’ll be hard to beat due to the phenomenal atmosphere which ran through every single part of this performance. It has everything, it’s funny and entertaining, with a story you want to hear and great music sang by fantastic vocalists.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets start from £24. For more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com