REVIEW - & JULIET | LYCEUM THEATRE, SHEFFIELD | 31/05/2025

& Juliet at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre – A Glittering Pop-Powered Rewrite of the Bard’s Tale

Having been there for & Juliet’s world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in 2019, and later catching it again in the West End, I already knew the magic this show could deliver. I’ve followed the tour from Manchester to Liverpool, and now to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre—each time falling a little more in love with this bold and joyful reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s most famous heroines. Written by David West Read and directed by Luke Sheppard, this jukebox musical takes the "what if" of Juliet's tragic ending and flips it into a colourful, empowering explosion of identity, autonomy, and absolute bangers, all set to the irresistible pop catalogue of hitmaker Max Martin.

We all know how Romeo and Juliet ends... or do we? & Juliet dares to imagine a world where Juliet chooses life, setting off on her own adventure rather than following Romeo in death. This story-within-a-story unfolds through a witty tug-of-war between Shakespeare (Jay McGuiness) and his sharp-witted wife Anne Hathaway (Lara Denning), who insists it’s time for Juliet to take control of her own narrative.As Juliet travels to Paris with her ever-faithful Nurse, she discovers new friendships, unexpected love, and the power of saying “no” to what others expect of her. It’s a hilarious, heartfelt and gloriously chaotic journey through feminism, freedom, and finding your voice—with more twists than a Shakespearean soliloquy and more sass than a Britney music video.

Soutra Gilmour’s set is an absolute showstopper—a collage of bold neon, period silhouettes and glittering surprises. One minute we’re in the shadowy streets of Verona, the next we’re swinging under disco balls in a Parisian nightclub, complete with moon swings, pop-up balconies and shimmering chandeliers. Paloma Young’s costumes bring together Elizabethan ruffles and 21st-century street style in the most fabulous fashion—think corsets with Converse and doublets with glitter.

Howard Hudson’s lighting design is pure spectacle. Bursts of colour pulse with the music, from moody blues during quiet reflection to gold and glitter during the full-throttle ensemble numbers. Add in the spectacular sound design and a fierce band tucked into the set itself, and you’ve got a visual and auditory party that’s impossible to resist. And of course, the music—oh, the music! From “…Baby One More Time” to “Roar,” each Max Martin track is cleverly woven into the narrative, delivering both punchlines and power ballads with perfection.

We had the absolute treat of seeing Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as the alternate Juliet — and what a phenomenal performance she gave. Charismatic, fierce, and vocally sublime, Psalms-Nissi brought strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Her rendition of “Stronger” sent literal chills through the auditorium, and she navigated Juliet’s emotional arc with poise and sparkle.

Jay McGuiness is a delight as a smug-yet-loveable William Shakespeare, blending comedy and charm with moments of surprising depth. Lara Denning’s Anne Hathaway is the beating heart of the show — commanding the stage with powerhouse vocals and razor-sharp wit. Her solo “That’s The Way It Is” brought the house down.

Sandra Marvin delivers as the hilarious yet heartfelt Nurse Angélique, with sass and soul to spare. Her onstage chemistry with Ranj Singh’s Lance is electric. Singh brings bags of charm and comedic flair to the role, and the pair’s duet “Teenage Dream/Break Free” had the audience roaring with laughter and joy.

Jordan Broatch shines as May, offering a beautifully nuanced performance full of grace and quiet power. Their heartfelt “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” is a standout moment — tender, brave, and deeply moving. Kyle Cox’s Francois is awkward, endearing and brilliantly funny — a joy to watch as he finds his footing both romantically and personally.

Benjamin Jackson Walker is a swaggering, scene-stealing Romeo who enters late but leaves a big impression. With a voice that soars and comic timing that lands, his arrival mid-show is pure pop-theatre perfection. The ensemble is on fire throughout—every lift, every step, every harmony is tight, joyful, and bursting with energy, elevating the production to new heights.

& Juliet is not just a reworking of Shakespeare’s tragedy—it’s a full-on celebration of individuality, empowerment, and rewriting your own ending. With jaw-dropping visuals, unforgettable performances, and a soundtrack that will have you humming all the way home, this is musical theatre at its boldest and brightest.

It’s a show that invites everyone—no matter who you are or where you’re from—to take the pen and write your next chapter. And judging by the standing ovation and the smiles lighting up the Lyceum, that message is hitting home loud and clear.

Juliet rewrites her ending — and it’s a fierce, feel-good triumph.

If you would like more information about the show click the button below for the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Matt Crockett