Max Martin, the musical genius behind the most number-one hits of all time, is the mastermind behind the infectious music of & Juliet, currently showing at Curve.
Renowned for his iconic work on tracks like Britney Spears’ ‘Baby One More Time,’ Bon Jovi’s ‘It’s My Life,’ and the Backstreet Boys’ ‘I Want It That Way,’ Martin’s musical magic shines through in this vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.
In this version, Juliet (played by Geraldine Sacdalan) doesn’t meet her tragic end in Romeo and Juliet. Instead, she decides to seize control of her own life, rejecting the fate Shakespeare originally penned for her.
Picture credit: Matt Crockett
The show opens with Juliet reflecting on her life choices and the fact that she has been defined by her relationship with Romeo. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, surrounded by a colourful and lovable cast of characters. Key among them are William Shakespeare (Jay McGuiness), who is both the creator of Juliet’s original fate and a part of the new narrative she’s crafting for herself, and Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning), Shakespeare’s wife, who provides both support and comic relief.
Throughout the musical, Juliet’s journey is one of empowerment, as she challenges traditional expectations, embraces a new life, and explores themes of love, identity, and self-determination. The plot is filled with humour, heart, and modern twists, seamlessly blending Max Martin’s iconic pop hits into the narrative.
As Juliet rewrites her story, the show also delves into strong LGBTQ+ themes, highlighting love in all its forms. Along the way, the characters encounter humorous and touching moments, all while questioning fate, destiny, and the roles they’re expected to play.
The standout performance of the evening came from Geraldine Sacdalan, who embodied Juliet with a perfect balance of joyful exuberance and deep emotional intensity. Her rendition of ‘Baby One More Time’ early in the show was a true showstopper—transforming the iconic song into something emotionally layered that left me with goosebumps.
Picture credit: Matt Crockett
Lee Latchford-Evans, best known from the 90s pop group Steps, brought undeniable star power to the role of Lance Dubois. Maintaining a solid French accent, he delivered both the vocal performance and choreography with undeniable charisma. Then there’s Jay McGuiness, former member of The Wanted, who played William Shakespeare with charm and humour, providing much of the show’s comedic backbone.
However, it was Lara Denning’s portrayal of Anne Hathaway that truly stole the show. With flawless vocals and impeccable comic timing, she delivered some of the evening’s best laughs, using subtle gestures and expressions that made her character unforgettable.
Picture credit: Matt Crockett
& Juliet is a celebration of female empowerment, radiating a strong, uplifting energy that had me laughing nonstop. While the first half of the show felt like a more dynamic experience than the second, there was enough fun and entertainment throughout to keep me fully engaged in the wonderfully bizarre story. The musical’s lighthearted tone, with just the right amount of “panto” charm, makes for an enjoyable night out.
The show also stands out for its bold LGBTQ+ themes. It offers a fresh, modern take on Juliet’s tale—what might have happened if she had survived her tragedy and taken control of her own destiny. This clever reimagining feels current, relevant, and empowering, and it’s a story we’re absolutely here for.
Picture credit: Matt Crockett
And Juliet is a joyous, fun-filled production that brings Max Martin’s music to life in ways you never saw coming!
Ultimately, it’s a celebration of second chances, individuality, and the power to redefine your own destiny. It’s a feel-good experience, brimming with humour, heart, and, of course, great music.
****
‘& Juliet is playing at Leicester’s Curve theatre until Saturday, February 22.
For tickets, visit: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/juliet/
