After a bleak week with rather shocking news from across the pond, it’s a relief for the warm hug of a musical, ‘& Juliet’, to be playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 16th November. This musical shows what would happen if Anne Hathaway took the quill from William Shakespeare and gave Juliet a life after Romeo. With the music featured being Max Martin’s impressive catalogue of hits – this is a very modern twist on Shakespeare’s star-crossed tragedy.
To go with this style, ‘& Juliet’ has a versatile, diverse and incredibly talented cast to represent this shake-up on one of the most well-known tragedies of all time. Gerardine Sacdalan is a star as Juliet – her presence, comedic timing and utterly sublime vocals pull the punches needed to help lead the narrative of this story. Gerardine’s lighthearted approach brings so much heart, humor and warmth to the character, it’s such an endearing portrayal that you can’t help but love.
Lara Denning is incredible as Anne Hathaway, her nuanced portrayal, engaging narrative and powerful vocals are the glue that sticks this entire production together. The range this actress shows is phenomenal, she knows how to hit the energetic and comedic notes of the piece, whilst then reigning the elevated persona in, to bring some emotional beats along the way.
Michael Nelson covers for Matt Cardle as Shakespeare, his almost villainous portrayal of the infamous bard is one which shows a darker side, and someone struggling when they have lost control of the narrative. Whilst there are humorous moments laced throughout Michael’s portrayal you get the sense the character is the antagonist and catalyst in Juliet’s tale. That being said this is a fun performance from Michael which brings a new side to this historical figure.
Sandra Marvin is bloody brilliant as Angeliquè, this is one of the funniest characters in the musical and thats heavily down to Sandra’s brilliant portrayal. Whether it’s the raucously devilish moments with Ranj Singh’s Lance or bopping into amazing hits such as ‘Domino’, which this is just a tonic of a performance. Ranj Singh’s Lance compliments Sandra’s Angeliquè, with his farcical “French” charm and general witty antics, this is a great supporting performance.
Jordan Broatch as May delivers a truly captivating performance where we see the struggles of a non-binary person brought to the forefront in a mainstream musical with such raw emotion and humility, it’s truly emotional to watch. Jordan’s portrayal of May is bright, sassy and joyous, it’s really refreshing to see a jukebox musical not shy away on an important issue such as gender identity and Jordan helps makes May journey all the more wholesome.
Kyle Cox as François brings us a young unexperienced man looking for more in life – the curiosity and naivety radiates through his performance, whilst showing the determination for more in his life. An opposite to Kyle’s François is Jack Danson’s utterly hysterical Romeo – whose two-dimensional flaws are leaned on for comedic value by Jack, that works an utter treat. Both performers bring these love interests to life brilliantly.
The ensemble of this production radiate energy, humour, grandeur, incredible choreo and vocals throughout the full performance. The ensemble are as follows; Harriet Caplan-Dean (Eleanor), Alexander Kranz (Lennox), Andilè Mabhena (Augustine), Liam Morris (Richard), Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid (Lucy), Toni Paise (Violet), Katie Ramshaw (Nell & Lady C), Aaron Shakes (Gregory), Rosie Singha (Judith), Nia Stephen (Imogen) and Samuel Wilson-Freeman (Fletcher).
The music featured in ‘& Juliet’ is from Swedish songwriter Max Martin and his collaborators, these are some of the biggest pop hits of the 21st century. These songs have been orchestrated for stage gorgeously by Bill Sherman, bringing some real grandeur to iconic hits such as ‘Roar’, ‘Larger Than Life’ and ‘It’s My Life’. David West Read creates a book that surrounds these songs, and whilst there are moments where the songs are quite literally shoehorned in and that builds to the comedic effect – there is still a beautiful story of women taking control of their own narrative. In times such as these where misogyny is frighteningly on the rise, this story of women taking charge of their life seems more prevalent than ever before. Luke Sheppard’s direction is quick paced packed with colour, humour and emotion, it clashes gig theatre and Shakespeare quite literally together.
A huge mention needs to go to Soutra Gilmour’s set design, complimented by Andrzej Goulding’s Video/animation design and Howard Hudson’s lighting design. The set as stripped back as it is, looks incredible. With several sequences that take your breath away, with fly-in moons, chandeliers, and great animation bringing tremendous illusions during songs. Paloma Young’s costume design builds to the visual feast with Elizabethan grandeur meets noughties chic. This is one of the best-looking productions currently touring the UK.
‘& Juliet’ is a feel-good jukebox musical for a new generation. You can’t help but leave the theatre with a skip in your step and the songs stuck in your head.
Get your tickets for ‘& Juliet’ here – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/and-juliet/edinburgh-playhouse/
Theatre Scotland 
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