Is there life after Romeo? That is the question... 

& Juliet is a fascinating vibrant musical which reinvents Shakespeare for the modern era. It tells the age-old story of Romeo and Juliet’s doomed love affair but with a totally unexpected narrative. Both lovers are given a different outcome to the original tragedy.

Juliet, played by Gerardine Sacdalan, is a sassy and contemporary girl who has no intention of ending her life on realising that Romeo has ended his. Instead she flees the constraints of Verona and heads for Paris and the bright lights of the city - taking her best friends with her for the ride.
Sacdalan is extremely charismatic in the lead role with her beautiful voice and energetic presence on stage.

Juliet’s awakening doesn’t happen by chance. Advice from Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway (played by the hugely talented Lara Denning), encourages her to make a break from familiar constraints and gain the power to make her own decisions. Denning is a feminist tour de force as she espouses the importance of autonomy and thus Juliet realises the freedom she can have if only she listens to herself and her heart. Denning has an incredibly powerful voice and gives an outstanding performance.

Jay McGuiness stands out as Shakespeare. Best well known as a member of The Wanted, McGuiness' talents as both and actor and singer are on full show.
Sandra Marvin is amazing as Angelique and brings a wonderful comic element to her role with acerbic wit alongside her wonderful singing and acting talents. Lee Latchford-Evans is also memorable and funny as Lance, whilst Jordan Broatch, Kyle Cox and Benjamin Jackson Walker are all very watchable and engaging with their collective stage presence.

& Juliet is a really creative production with a fantastic array of well-known hits - near on thirty in total, which help weave the story together. 

The story also tells of the love between Shakespeare and his wife Anne. This lends a different and very interesting parallel narrative. The love between May and Francois is another key feature. Both create a diverse perspective and a unique interpretation of the famous play.

The stage sets are incredibly visual and exciting - from fantastic ultra-modern strobe lighting and glitz to the beautiful romantic bed chambers of the nobility in medieval France. Everything just merges together beautifully as the story unfolds. The choreography is equally fabulous, as are the live band.

& Juliet is a tour de force in the modern musical world as it weaves a classic play into a production full of fun, sassiness, vibrancy and the unexpected. It may test the traditionalist but at the same time encourages an audience new to Shakespeare, which is an exciting prospect.     

Four stars

& Juliet was reviewed by Carol Lovatt at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, on Monday 12 May. The production continues to show at the venue until Saturday 17 May.