& Juliet: A Modern Shakespearean Retelling Well Worth Seeing

Have you found the ending to Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet to be a bit…well, to speak frankly, depressing?

A four-day romance followed by a hasty wedding and a couple of pointless deaths… Although very Shakespeare-esque it doesn’t leave much for the imagination.

Well, if you have always prayed for a less tragic ending for Shakespeare’s beloved star-crossed lovers look no further than the newest jukebox musical, & Juliet.

This Tony nominated and Olivier and WhatsOnStage winning musical tells the story of what would have happened to Juliet had she not ended it all on that fateful day.

Jordan Broatch, who plays Juliet’s BFF May in the uplifting show, tells us that Juliet (Gerardine Sacdalan) “goes on to live her best life, finds out who she is as a woman, and goes on her own journey of self-discovery through pop music and funky dancing.”

This alternative storyline, written by Schitt’s Creek David West Read and directed by Luke Shepheard, intertwines not one but two narratives. We see Shakespeare (Matt Cardle) and Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning) bickering over Shakespeare’s tragic masterpieces. Together the pair rewrite Juliet’s story whilst also giving the audience a look into their own relationship – a play within a play if you will.

The portrayal of Shakespeare and Hathaway’s own relationship within the play adds depth to the scenes. Anne questions Shakespeare’s motives for Juliet’s character, instead of just adding more drama – ahem, the resurrection of an old flame – she also wants to turn young Juliet into a more realistic character with emotions comparable to any teenager who just lost their first love (party the night away in a Parisian club anyone?).

Although the musical is slightly predictable, Hathaway’s interruptions give Juliet more time to feel her feels and make her own decisions.

But if you think this show is going to be smooth sailing then you will be sorely mistaken. I mean, it is Shakespeare after all. Expect lots of newfound love, heartache and of course, some added conflict as Juliet sets off to reinvent herself in the most fantastic way possible.

The soundtrack to this musical is absolutely everything and you will no doubt know nearly every tune, as the musical producer behind the smash hit soundtrack is Max Martin. One may wonder how such a modern playlist consisting of ’90s and 2000s pop anthems could blend so effortlessly into a Shakespearean-themed play, but it really does just that.

Broatch explains: “It suits it so well; the songs he has written are just incredible. We have ‘I Kissed a Girl’ by Katy Perry, so many Britney Spears songs, The Backstreet Boys, there is so much in there and it just fits the show perfectly”.

The story not only focuses on Juliet’s journey but also that of her friend, May (Broatch) and her nurse Angelique (Sandra Marvin). May, a non-binary character, goes on their very own journey throughout the play trying to find their place in the world.

Broatch describes May’s journey as “absolutely beautiful” and says the show is “great for representation to show audiences what a non-binary person is and just to educate them in a really beautiful way”.

Broatch, who is non-binary themselves, says that it is “so lovely to play a character where such a big part of their identity relates to mine as well. It makes me feel great because I’m like ‘oh I get to play a non-binary character’ because there isn’t many in musical theatre”.

May’s rendition of ‘I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman’ is perhaps one of the most heartfelt numbers from the musical, so we wanted to know what their favourite scene from the show is.

“There are so many, it changes every day but my favourite at the moment is ‘I Kissed a Girl’ because without giving away too many spoilers, the audience reaction to it is just amazing,” they say.

“Sometimes there is a gasp, and sometimes laughter. I won’t say what happens, but it is very lovely”.

As well-known pop music and talented dancers lend a hand in telling Read’s story, the costume design allows the characters to slot perfectly into this Shakespearean pop musical.

The creative costumes by Paloma Young encompass a blend of modern and old-time fashion. Think corsets with short dresses, jeans paired with shirts, waistcoats and trainers. The clever design gives a reminiscence of times gone by whilst also fitting into Read’s script.

So, should you go see this reimagining of Juliet’s life that didn’t come to a harrowing end following a whirlwind four-day romance? Well, if you want to be a spectator of some feel good music, Shakespeare and Hathaway’s hilarious quips and some fabulous dancing then you definitely should!

One should, however, beware that the tremendous amounts of confetti during Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ does not signify curtain call, so hold that standing ovation a while longer.

If you don’t take our word for it, we asked the fabulous Jordan to describe & Juliet in three words, and their answer? “Really good fun”.

“I am having so much fun, the cast are so lovely,” they say. “The show radiates pure joy and love and you can see that in the cast as well… how much love and care comes from all sides of the team, the full company.”

& Juliet has featured on Broadway, the West End, North America and Australia and is coming to The Bord Gais Energy Theatre from February 25th to March 8th, 2025.

You can book tickets now here.