One of the Bard’s most famous plays is turned on its head in a hit-packed musical at Norwich Theatre Royal this week.
& Juliet asks the question of what might have happened if Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers had not both died.
The show is packed to the rafters with familiar tunes penned by Swedish songwriter Max Martin and made famous by artists like Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, Celine Dion and Bon Jovi.
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This is a literal jukebox musical – there is one centre stage at the show’s opening and finale – and you can’t help but suspect that some of the plot twists and turns are driven by the available lyrics rather than the other way around.
But when it works – such as Juliet’s rendition of Oops I Did It Again and new characters May and Francois' duet on I Kissed A Girl – it is both beautifully funny and extremely entertaining.
There are some strong performances too – though perhaps not where you would expect.
TV doctor Ranj Singh wasn’t my pick for the highlight of the show before going, but he absolutely nailed his comic turn as the Nurse’s love interest, with Sandra Marvin exceptional as his paramour.
The X Factor’s Matt Cardle has a definite twinkle as Shakespeare, challenged with fantastic spirit by Harriet Caplan-Dean as his wife Anne.
Despite the show’s title, it is her character who really drives the show and deserves a stronger billing.
By comparison, Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet is relatively flat: she has solid vocals and spot-on dance moves, but gives a performance that lacks the depth of a true lead.
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The plot is thin, despite a cerebral garnish of Shakespearean references scattered on top, but that is not really the point.
This is basically just an excuse for a pop concert and it is one with terrific production values.
It is fun with a capital F. Just put your brain into neutral and let the astonishing songbook and visual riot wash over you like a glorious, non-sensical, midsummer night’s dream.
& Juliet continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until August 3.
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