& Juliet - Review

Move over, Verona, there’s a new story in town. This pop-fuelled rewrite of Shakespeare hands Juliet the agency to seize her own story, celebrating joy, difference, and the unapologetic thrill of performance. Prepare for a riot of colour, comedy, and girl power.

With a cast of predominantly youthful, rising stars, Pan Academies of Creative Arts (PACA) bursts into life from the very first note.Co-directors and musical directors Rodrigo Medina and William Pulley have shaped a fast-paced and clever production that balances agency and entertainment with effortless flair. Confetti rains and the music pulses through the Riverside Theatre, creating an infectious energy that sweeps the audience along from start to finish.

From star-crossed teen to self-made heroine, Juliet flips the script and the soundtrack pops. Rejecting tragedy, she discovers freedom, friendship, and the thrill of making her own choices. David West Read’s witty, self-aware script is unexpectedly laugh-out-loud, packed with clever wordplay, historical nods, and sharp character moments. A Max Martin jukebox featuring hits from Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and a dash of Celine Dion drives the story, keeping the audience laughing, tapping, and singing along.

It’s a thrill to see the women of &Juliet claim centre stage, their stories and voices illuminated with intelligence and humour. Jade Lee’s Juliet moves effortlessly from innocence to empowerment. Her comedic timing is savvy and sharp, and her singing is full of pop-infused charisma, particularly in numbers like Baby One More Time. Some of her strongest moments are shared with Annette Vitetta as the Angelique/Nurse, whose strength and earthy vocal prowess shine in Show Me Love, and with Marika Zorlu as Anne Hathaway, who challenges every turn of the story with several standout musical moments including That’s the Way It Is. These women bring all the laughs and kick a whole lotta Shakespearean arse!

&Juliet is a lovely lesson in growth that goes both ways: as the women take charge of their stories, the men are challenged to evolve too, learning, adapting, and finding new depth in themselves without hogging the spotlight. Ben James as Shakespeare brings cheeky wit and repartee with Zorlu in their duet I Want It That Way. Brad Clarke as Lance navigates sweetness and authority, his dubious French accent and sparkling chemistry with Vitetta adding extra laughs and warmth, particularly in Shape of My Heart.

François (Ryan McLean) strikes a convincing balance of capturing the confusion and complexity of his sexuality while keeping the character amusing and engaging. Waller’s Romeo is a very droll, foppish, wannabe rock star, bringing charm and vulnerability while keeping the audience laughing, especially in Teenage Dream / Break Free. Daniel Timmins as May (Juliet’s bestie) delivers a beautifully understated performance, singing Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) and Quit Playing Games with subtlety and presence that quietly grounds the story.

The ensemble is absolutely exceptional. Their harmonies and standout dancing elevate every number, making the show feel vibrantly alive. Janina Hamerlok’s slick, quirky choreography blends MTV-style energy with theatrical storytelling, fusing pop moves with pizzazz.Each number pulses with life, perfectly marrying glitz with the immediacy and joy of live theatre.

Costumes by Erica Williams blend historical charm with pop-culture verve, from corsets and puffed sleeves to bubble skirts and sequins, perfectly reflecting the show’s exuberant aesthetic. Tony Odling’s scenic design brings the stage to life with an open set, featuring furniture and props, and a dynamic backdrop of screens and projections, creating a visually rich, immersive world. Keep an eye out for a fabulous horse-and-carriage moment that perfectly captures the show’s inventiveness and spirit.

PACA builds its reputation on inclusivity and creativity, and &Juliet fits that ethos perfectly. Enormous fun without pulling punches, the show fully embraces the LGBTQ+ stories, proving that “family-friendly” no longer excludes. &Juliet champions agency without preaching, playfulness without losing heart, and is a rip-roaring reminder that life - and theatre - always has room for reinvention, elation, and growth.