A whirlwind of vibrant scenes, dazzling costumes, and infectious music; & Juliet at Sydney Lyric Theatre has proven every bit as fabulous as promised. The reimagining of Shakespeare’s timeless tale with a contemporary twist, breathes new life into the age-old narrative and debates what Juliet does next if she hadn’t died. Directed by the visionary Luke Sheppard, this two and a half hour musical extravaganza takes audiences on a journey through love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness, all set to your favourite tracks from 00’s.
The set work for & Juliet are a spectacle to behold. Immediately you’re drawn in with the larger than life lettering, and the cast navigate the stage with ease. Covering everything from the bustling streets of Verona to the glittering lights of Paris, each setting is meticulously crafted to transport viewers into the heart of the story. The dynamic use of stage design and innovative technology creates an immersive experience, allowing the audience to feel fully immersed in the world of the characters. We don’t want to give too many spoilers away about where Juliet’s journey takes her, but the Paris soirée act is a magical stand out!
Perhaps more than the sets, the costumes had us GAGGING on our jealousy. Think Renaissance Hip-Hop (AKA Bridgerton meets Tupac!). The blended fits were giving and played a pivotal role in bringing the characters to life. Designed by Paloma Young, the costumes are a vibrant fusion of period and contemporary styles, reflecting the characters’ personalities and while Juliet’s iconic ball gown is a stunning masterpiece, the ensemble cast’s wardrobe is equally impressive, and we developed a huge crush on Imani Williams who plays Lucy.
The cast is quite the stellar line up, with Casey Donovan, Amy Lehpamer, Rob Mills (who sadly wasn’t performing the night we went), and Lorinda May Merrypor, plus SO many more! It’s hard to choose a favourite, although Hayden Tee as Lance had us in clutching our pearls and squealing in delight. We’ll need a few more watches (yes, this is a show you’ll want to see again and again!) to enjoy each character fully.
Of course the heart of & Juliet though lies its electrifying soundtrack, featuring reimagined pop hits, covering everything from Katy Perry to The Backstreet Boys (you will never listen to ‘Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’ without giggling again). The songs are expertly woven into the fabric of the story, amplifying the characters and creating a cult classic. If you caught Moulin Rouge the musical and loved it, this is along the same vein and absolutely addicting.
& Juliet is a triumph of modern musical theatre, blending spectacle, style, and substance to create an unforgettable theatrical experience. With its captivating scenes, stunning costumes, and infectious music, this production breathes new life into Shakespeare’s classic tale, appealing to audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Bard or simply looking for a night of entertainment, & Juliet is a must-see musical that will leave you dancing in the aisles. The run is only until June 16, so get tickets while you can directly from the & Juliet site.