Something truly magical happened at the Regent Theatre in Stoke On Trent this week. I saw &Juliet, and whilst I thought it may be a little too cheesy for my liking, I can honestly say it’s the best musical I’ve experienced in a long time.
Cleverly written, bursting with energy, and filled to the brim with songs from the 90’s & naughties, this show is a bold and brilliant reimagining of arguably the most famous love story/tragedy ever written, Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. We all know the story and there have been lots of different iterations of it over the years. But this time, Juliet isn’t meeting a tragic end. Instead, she’s taking the quill back and rewriting her own story with a little help from Shakespeare’s wife.
If you’re a fan of musicals like Rock of Ages (as I am), you’re going to love this. Where Rock of Ages leans into rock anthems, &Juliet is a pop lover’s paradise, featuring the biggest chart-toppers by Max Martin (think Britney, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and more.) What’s so impressive is how these iconic songs are used. They’re woven seamlessly into the story, and often given entirely new meaning in their fresh, unexpected contexts. It’s playful, clever, and keeps you smiling throughout.
The book, written by Schitt’s Creek’s David West Read, is razor-sharp and genuinely funny, filled with wit, heart, and a deep understanding of today’s cultural landscape with many subjects touched upon. Beyond the sparkle and sass, &Juliet delivers something much more meaningful. It tackles themes of gender identity, self-discovery, love in lots of forms, and personal empowerment without ever feeling too preachy. It’s honest, inclusive, and emotionally resonant in ways you wouldn’t always expect from a jukebox musical.
My wife Kerry summed it up perfectly:
“&Juliet absolutely blew me away! It’s the most powerful, uplifting thing I’ve seen on stage in such a long time. It made me laugh, cry, and feel seen. It’s empowering, full of joy, and speaks so beautifully to the world we live in today. As a woman and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, it meant so much to me that this has been created. I already want to see it again.”
The performances are powerhouse level across the board, with a cast that oozes charisma and vocal prowess. The choreography is on point, the costumes are incredible and the staging is slick without overshadowing the heart of the story. Every detail feels thought-through and executed with care and attention. I loved how it mixed from bouncy dance beats to the more traditional harps and piccolos of the era. I was truly astounded at just how polished the whole production was.
In short, &Juliet isn’t just a night at the theatre — it’s a full-on party & celebration. It’s the kind of show that lifts you up, makes you think and leaves you wanting more. If it’s playing near you, go see it. In fact, even if it’s not near you, find a way to get there. Juliet is rewriting the rules, and trust me — you’ll want to be there to watch her do it.
& Juliet is playing now at The Regent Theatre until Saturday 17th May. Tickets can be purchased online at atgtickets.com/stoke or by calling the Regent Theatre box office on 08448 717649.