What if Juliet didn’t die? What if, instead of a tragic end, her story erupted into a celebration of life, with sequins, sass, and an electrifying soundtrack of 21st-century pop hits?
That’s the irresistible premise behind & Juliet, a high-energy jukebox musical that takes Shakespeare’s timeless love story and gives it a dazzling modern twist.
On its 2025 UK tour, & Juliet at Sheffield Theatres proves just how much fun a Shakespearean reinvention can be, serving up an infectious mix of empowerment, humour, and some unforgettable pop anthems.
The show spins the “what if?” premise into a bold narrative of self-discovery and female empowerment, set to chart-topping hits from pop legends like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and the Backstreet Boys. It’s a glitter-drenched, heart-pumping celebration of rewriting the script-both literally and figuratively.
At the heart of this celebration of empowerment is the show’s exceptional female talent, which truly drives its success.
In her professional debut, Gerardine Sacdalan delivers a captivating performance as Juliet, transforming the character into a modern heroine-both fierce and vulnerable.
Sacdalan brings a refreshing energy to the role, perfectly capturing Juliet’s journey of self-realisation. Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence make every number shine, from the explosive opening of “…Baby One More Time” to the empowering “Roar.”
Sacdalan’s Juliet is more than just a character; she’s a force of resilience and independence, embodying the spirit of empowerment that defines the reimagined narrative. If there’s any doubt that Sacdalan is a pop star in the making, her performance will quickly erase it.
Someone, please sign her to a record deal – we need her in the charts. Her voice and charisma are simply too good to be confined to the stage.
Lara Denning also delivers a standout performance as Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. Denning imbues the role with wit, warmth, and emotional depth, adding a compelling layer to the narrative as Anne explores love, identity, and self-worth. One of the most memorable moments in Denning’s performance is her powerful rendition of “That’s The Way It Is,” a showstopper that showcases both her vocal ability and emotional range, leaving the audience in awe.
One of the most progressive elements of & Juliet is its celebration of gender fluidity. Jordan Broatch portrays May, a non-binary character whose journey of identity and love is seamlessly woven into the broader narrative of self-discovery.
Their performance of “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” becomes a powerful anthem of self-expression, offering a refreshing and inclusive perspective on love and identity.
The show cleverly nods to theatre history, humorously acknowledging that all of Shakespeare’s original actors were men-playing women in the process. This playful remark raises a thought-provoking question: does gender really matter when telling a love story? In & Juliet, the answer is clear – it doesn’t. Love, identity, and empowerment transcend labels in this vibrant and inclusive retelling, making the show both timely and timeless.
While the themes and performances are the driving force of & Juliet, it’s worth noting that not all vocal performances hit the same high mark. In particular, the male cast members’ vocals didn’t always match the powerful delivery of their female counterparts, which at times made it harder to fully appreciate the ensemble’s overall talent.
Jukebox musicals have become increasingly popular, often winning over audiences with their familiar soundtracks. Yet, it begs the question: do we really need another show built around pop songs?
There were moments in & Juliet when the energy in the auditorium felt less like a theatrical performance and more like a karaoke session, with some audience members belting along from their seats. While fun, it did raise the question of whether a more original score could have elevated the storytelling and created a deeper emotional impact.
That being said, the production’s overall energy, ambition, and the incredible performances, especially from the leading women, are undeniable. & Juliet may not have the depth of an entirely original musical, but its infectious energy, progressive themes, and empowering messages make it a standout in the world of jukebox musicals.
Moreover, this vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare is a brilliant way to engage younger audiences, particularly school children, with the Bard’s work. It strips away the stigma of Shakespeare being “boring” and instead presents a fun, accessible, and relatable version of his iconic characters and themes. It’s the perfect gateway for anyone who’s ever been turned off by the traditional approach to Shakespeare.
Catch & Juliet at Sheffield Lyceum from 20 May to 31 May. Don’t miss this empowering, pop-infused reimagining of a classic love story.
Read more: UK Eurovision act Remember Monday announce Leeds gig
Credit: Matt Crockett
