& Juliet at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by LE
The dazzling musical & Juliet has arrived at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal this week as part of its first nationwide tour after a sell out West End run where it won three Olivier awards and continues to go from strength to strength with the show now on Broadway and embarking on a North America tour..
Starring Jay McGuiness as Shakespeare and Lara Denning as his wife, Anne Hathaway, the musical tells the story of Romeo and Juliet with a modern twist. Instead of Juliet (played by Gerardine Sacdalan taking her own life to join Romeo in the final scenes, Anne challenges Shakespeare to empower Juliet to move forward with her life and make her own decisions and destiny. Denning plays Anne with humour and sensitivity that endear her to the audience who can relate to her excitement at the prospect of a night out off from looking after the kids!
The creation of a book by David West Read, known for Schitt’s Creek and with music by pop maestro Max Martin and friends, this exhilarating and energetic musical comes to life with musical numbers from Brittney Spears, Katie Perry and the Backstreet Boys to name just a few. Director Luke Shepperd creates a theatrical love story which is much more than just a collection of hit songs as the performers really connect with the audience with emotions as pop stars connect with fans at an arena.
Sacdalan has powerhouse vocals that embody Juliet’s newfound independence and self-discovery as she leaves Verona to head to Paris with her friend May, played by Jordan Broatch, her nurse Angelique played by Sandra Marvin, and Anne joins as her friend April. Once there they meet Francois played by Kyle Cox and Lance, his father, played by Lee Latchford-Evans (or more commonly known as Lee from Steps!). Interspersed cleverly with amusing and entertaining narrative from Shakespeare and Anne (having their own domestic discovery), we follow the journey of love and destiny with lots of twists and turns in true Shakespearean style, including Romeo’s return, played brilliantly by understudy Liam Morris.
This production has dazzling lighting by Howard Hudson and choreography led by Jennifer Weber fuses hip hop and musical theatre dance styles. While the set design by Soutra Gilmour has lots going on with descending chandeliers there is lots to keep the audience engrossed. A live band led by musical director (also on keyboard) Marcus Carter Adams and joined by a talented team on drums, guitar, bass, violin and music technology, this creates a live concert feel.
The high energy atmosphere combined with thought provoking themes balanced well to create a must see production! Perfect for fans of musical theatre and Shakespeare alike – don’t miss this whilst it is in town!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets are in short supply and start at £48.50. On Stage until 19 April 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND