I saw & Juliet at Bristol Hippodrome - it's a mess but I loved it

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Traditional Shakespeare fans would probably turn their noses up at & Juliet, which is a twist on the Romeo & Juliet play we all know.

The jukebox musical follows the story of Juliet who survives after Romeo dies, and it’s a journey of female empowerment.

With power pop songs such as …Baby One Time by Britney Spears, Domino by Jessie J, and Show Me Love by Robyn, it tells the story of a Juliet who can live without Romeo.

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That is until he is resurrected at the end of the first half, floating down from the top of the stage while lights glisten behind him.

& Juliet

This messy plot runs through the entirety of the show, which includes Shakespeare (played by The Wanted singer Jay McGuiness) and his wife, Anne (Lara Denning).

The female characters dominate in the musical with Gerardine Sacdalan just wowing with her vocals as Juliet, while Sandra Marvin is hilarious as Juliet’s maid, Angelique.

Juliet’s vocals hit their peak during the song Roar, when golden confetti fills the theatre in a truly spectacular moment but I do feel sorry for whoever had to clean up afterwards!

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Steps’ Lee-Latchford Evans also has a hilariously bad French accent as Lance, while Jordan Broatch portrayal of May brings important gender issues to the forefront.

The show comically calls out some criticisms concerning Shakespeare, and it’s a refreshing take but I do wonder what the renowned writer would make of it all if he was still alive today.

Following the resurrection of Romeo, the show becomes even more messy and the ending feels a bit contrary to Juliet's journey of female independence.

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But story aside, with so many feel-good pop songs packed into it, you can only leave the theatre feeling lifted after & Juliet.

The plot isn’t the strongest, but it certainly isn’t boring unlike much of Shakespeare’s writing. It’s a modern musical using elements of an old story, and it’s told in the most fun way.

& Juliet runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, January 25. For tickets, click here.

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