A Night of Comedy and Tragedy as '& Juliet' Arrives at HMT
The pop musical reinvents Shakespeare’s classic with a fun, modern twist, blending hits, humour, and heart.
& Juliet takes the iconic love story of Romeo and Juliet and flips it on its head. What if Juliet didn’t end her life in despair over Romeo but instead went on her own adventure, discovering love, independence, and self-worth?
With a script full of sharp wit and humour by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read, the show feels like a celebration of new beginnings, not just for Juliet but for anyone ready to rewrite their own story. It’s a playful reimagining that takes Shakespeare’s tragedy and gives it a whole new twist, full of laughs, unexpected moments, and empowering messages.
At its core, & Juliet is a fun, feminist remix of a classic story. With the energetic Anne Hathaway (wife of William Shakespeare), played brilliantly by Lara Denning, taking the reins as the driving force behind Juliet’s new narrative, the show takes off with flair. The combination of Martin’s iconic pop songs, from Baby One More Time to Roar, creates a toe tapping soundtrack that pairs perfectly with the spirited storytelling.
The cast delivers high-energy performances, with great costumes adding a visual pop to the production. The mash-ups of Martin’s chart-toppers are a strong point, creating a musical flow that is unexpected but thoroughly entertaining—even for a self-proclaimed musical sceptic like me. The upbeat tunes shine, particularly as they are reinterpreted to suit the characters’ journeys, creating anthems of empowerment.
The older characters shine with well-developed story arcs, delivering the show’s emotional heart. While the younger cast, including Gerardine Sacdalan’s standout performance as Juliet, offers excellent performances, their characters feel a bit underexplored in comparison. Nevertheless, the show’s vibrant, campy energy, along with its unapologetic celebration of female and queer characters, keeps the audience engaged and fully invested in the unfolding journey.
& Juliet is a blast. It’s energetic, fun, and jam-packed with heart. It’s a show well worth seeing. You’ll have a brilliant night. It continues at His Majesty’s Theatre until 8th February. Tickets are available from Aberdeen Performing Arts.
