REVIEW: & JULIET @ NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

🎭 & Juliet

📍 New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QG

🗓 Monday 27th January 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 FUN, EMPOWERMENT AND EAR TO EAR SMILES

& JULIET, the vibrant musical reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, has arrived at New Wimbledon Theatre on its tour around the UK, and it’s nothing short of sensational. Having seen this production a few years ago during its West End run, I wondered if it would still bring the same energy and joy I remembered. It absolutely did – perhaps even more so. This is a show bursting with fun and a powerful feminist twist that leaves you smiling from ear to ear from start to finish.

The story cleverly rewrites the tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet, allowing Juliet, played by Gerardine Sacdalan, to reclaim her narrative. With Shakespeare (Jay McGuinness) and his wife, Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning), taking turns holding the pen – or quill, I should say – the tale becomes a fierce exploration of female agency and choice. Anne wants this new version – a play in which the female characters are invited to make bold choices and stand on their own two feet. 

Juliet, instead of dying for Romeo, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She escapes her mother's plans for her to join a convent and travels to Paris with her nurse, Angeliqué, and her best friends, May and April – the latter of whom is played by Anne, who playfully puts herself into the story. 

What unfolds is a joyous, empowering adventure where Juliet decides her own fate, exploring love and independence on her terms – with a few twists and turns on the way, of course. The play tackles a few subplots as well, which add depth and humour. Angeliqué has a rekindled romance with Lance, for instance, who we meet in Paris. This is a late-life love story that’s as fiery and passionate as the whirlwind romances experienced by the younger couples in the show. Played by Sandra Marvin and Ranj Singh (yes, Doctor Ranj!), the pair’s chemistry was electric and, for me, was a standout element of the production.

We also get to see an interpretation of the marriage between Shakespeare and his wife, much of which is based on what seemingly happened in real life. The story reveals the ups and downs of their relationship – how they rushed into marriage, for instance, and their differences of opinion when it comes to what’s important in life. The lessons they learn as a couple weave effortlessly into Juliet’s story and growth as a young woman and add a beautiful and poignant layer to the laugh-a-minute comedy. 

The musical numbers throughout are pure nostalgia heaven, featuring 90s and early 2000s hits by Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys and more. Each one is seamlessly integrated into the plot, performed with stunning vocals that elevate familiar pop bangers into dramatic moments that give you goosebumps. Anne’s rendition of Celine Dion’s That’s the Way It Is was a personal favourite – it was breathtakingly powerful and heavy with emotion. Juliet’s ballads were equally impressive, delivered with such oomph and vocal precision that I found myself in awe of the cast’s ability to do this over and over again each night.

May’s solos also stood out to me. Not only did Jordan Broatch sing excellently, but they brought raw emotion to the lyrics, which in turn gave their character depth and authenticity and gave audiences a moving look at what it’s like to struggle to find your place in the world. 

While the male vocalists were indeed solid, I felt their harmonised performances stood out more than their solos, which occasionally lacked the power displayed by the female leads.  For me, their performance together in the boy band scene – or De Bois band, I should say – was where they really shone. It was one of the most joyous moments of the night and had the entire theatre swaying their hands in the air.

The set design was visually spectacular too, with colourful, detailed backdrops that added to the show’s liveliness and fun and signified a clear departure from Shakespeare’s traditional tale. I particularly liked the graffiti-covered walls of Verona, which for me helped to dismantle Shakespeare’s idea of “perfect” romance. And the party scene was portrayed beautifully through the placement of the props and furniture. 

If I had to nitpick, I’d point out the stationary pedals on the carriage during the journey to Paris – a tiny detail, but one I couldn’t help noticing. There were also occasional moments when the microphone volumes seemed slightly too high, which detracted from the crispness of the actors’ amazing vocals.

But overall, these minor points do little to detract from what is a brilliant, feel-good production that celebrates choice, empowerment and unapologetic fun. & JULIET is more than just a jukebox musical – it’s a story that uplifts, inspires and leaves you humming pop anthems all the way home. In fact, I’m still singing them now!

& JULIET continues performances at the New WImbledon Theatre until Saturday 1st February. CLICK HERE to check availability and to book tickets.

Estelle Luck

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of & Juliet was gifted by New Wimbledon Theatre who invited me to watch the show on behalf of Pink Prince Theatre in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet; Lara Denning as Anne; Sandra Marvin as Angelique; Jay McGuiness as Shakespeare; Liam Morris as Romeo; Kyle Cox as Francois; Jordan Broatch as May; Ranj Singh as Lance; Michael Nelson as Henry; Sam Wilson-Freeman as Richard; Alexander Kranz as Lennox; Katie Ramshaw as Nell/Lady C; Rosie Singha as Judith; Nia Stephen as Imogen; Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as Lucy; Harriet Caplan-Dean as Eleanor; Andile Mabhena as Augustine; Aaron Shales as Gregory

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 30 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Occasional mild language