Review: &Juliet at Sunderland Empire
Press Night 12th September 2024
Invited| Review by Aaron Whittington
Shakespeare is a legendary writer and the creator of the greatest love story of all time Romeo & Juliet. I’ve studied the book and really enjoyed the remade film adaptation with Leonardo Di Caprio that brought the story into a modern era, so it’s only natural that when a stage adaptation of the story, created by David West Read comes to Sunderland that I have to see it.
Only…this isn’t the typical story we know. It’s Juliet’s story, the one had she not died. It’s what could have been. Is there a happier ending to be had for Juliet? Well if Anne Hathaway has her way, a total rewrite of the script maybe, but one full of modern day pop songs and energy!
Already a global success the show has now been performed on four continents since its World Premiere in September 2019. It began at the Manchester Opera House in England, before moving to London’s West End from 2019-2023, where it won three Olivier Awards, and 6 WhatsOnStage Awards.
The show had me at the start as soon as the backdrop displayed the street that I grew up on in London which I found fantastic. But the show itself was brilliant.
A modern love tale because nowadays what love story isn’t complicated? Juliet travels to Paris to save her from being sent to a nunnery in search of a fresh start only to meet a would be companion Francois (Kyle Cox) only to have had best friend May (Jordan Broatch) fall for the same person. For Juliet is this an oops I did it again moment or true love? You’ll have to see it!
Matt Cardle as William Shakespeare brought great humour along with wife Ann Hathaway played by Lara Denning as they bickered about the direction of the rewritten story, whilst occasionally inserting themselves into the storyline and taking a look at their own relationship through it.
Sandra Marvin is hard to ignore and had her own story to tell as Nurse Angeliqué with Ranj Singh Playing Lance.
Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet was my star of the show in her role. A fire cracker of a performer, she was full of energy, always smiling and had a belter of a voice. An absolutely phenomenal performance.
Romeo oh Romeo was played by Jackie Danson, and loved his entrance in the first half. A fine showing of a lover trying to win back the heart of his wife.
The music really makes it, and you may think oh another jukebox musical, but this works. The songs are integrated so well and have perfect timing and meaning to the scene. Max Martin is the mind and songwriter behind many hits from the likes of Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. Shout out also to the choreography as these performers worked their socks off throughout some well put together dances.
Things a retelling like never before, full of fantastically well crafted hits and great performances. Unlike the original story where Juliet dies, the only thing tragic would be missing it!
& JULIET continues on Sunderland Empire’s stage until Saturday 21 September 2024. Tickets available online now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland
*A £3.95 transaction fee applies to online bookings.