&Juliet at The Regent Review
Shakespeare puritans turn your heads away as you are about to see Shakespeare as you’ve
never seen it before – Review by Mel Osborne
It may not be ‘As you like it’ but ‘Where there’s a Will there’s a way.’
&Juliet makes its debut at the Regent Theatre… Launched in 2019 the musical theatre based on the Bards much loved tragedy will turn your perception of the greatest love story of all upside down.
Book by David West Read and directed by Luke Sheppard this is a musical for a new generations.
Admittedly as the show commences an audience member could think this is where this production is going as it kicks off with Will Shakespeare dancing to ‘Larger than Life’ which
although fun seems self-indulgent – until the penny drops – it’s meant to be.
(Images supplied by The Regent)
In this production we meet Anne Hathaway, the wife we never get to know much about,
raising the children whilst Shakespeare lived it up in London.
She is out for the night and has got a lot to say – such as what if Juliet hadn’t died? How would the story go then?
What follows is a coming-of-age story as Juliet continues her quest to find true love.
Musical theatre style of course. The story turns from a tragedy of star-crossed lovers to a ‘ride or die’ with your best friend epic.
However, the show never loses track of its roots and the narrative is faithful to Shakespeare
with miscommunications, mistaken identities and farces.
As Will and Anne fight about how the show should go, Will waves his quill of tragedy over proceedings with dramatic results.
This is a fast-paced musical with many classic pop anthems from the early 2000s. Fans of Britany Spears and Backstreet boys will have a ball with the renditions and mashups.
Geradine Sacdaline as Juilet, belts her way through the entire show with incredible stamina and energy whilst Jay Mcguiness as Shakespeare is bouncing with energy and mischief.
Ben Jackson and Jay McGuiness. Credit Danny Kaan
Outstanding performances go to Lara Denning as Anne, who was formidable and powerful
portraying the usual invisible wife. Sandra Marvin bought humour and sass as Angelique the nurse.
Sometimes West end shows don’t tour well but &Juliet as a very impressive staging – technicolour, bright lights and plenty of sparkle.
This is the escapist show you never knew you needed until you are emerged in the frivolity.
&Juliet is a roller coaster of fun, puns and many misunderstandings, although ‘All’s well that ands well.’
This is fun for the whole family and teens will absolutely love it.
A wise word to the devoted Shakespeare fans, put aside your values and immerse yourself in the passion and panto of this beautiful show.
5 Stars
