We all know how the story of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy Romeo & Juliet ends (spoiler alert: tragically). But what if it was just the beginning for the latter? That’s the premise of a brand new West End musical, & Juliet, starring Hamilton and On The Town’s Miriam-Teak Lee.
And with jukebox music from the pen of renowned pop song writer Max Martin – including [Hit Me] Baby One More Time, Everybody, Love Me Like You Do and I Can’t Feel My Face – & Juliet will see the famous literary figure decide her own ending.
The show will have a short run in Manchester, before beginning performances in the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre on Saturday 2 November. Tickets go on sale Monday 11 February.
Miriam-Teak Lee on the Olivier Awards 2018 with Mastercard red carpet (Photo: Pamela Raith)
& Juliet will be set at the culmination of the Shakespeare play – but instead of ending her own life when she picks up the dagger, Juliet gets over it. Forgetting Romeo by heading off to Paris with Nurse and her friends, a whirlwind trip of romance and self-discovery lies in store.
Some of pop music’s most iconic songs from the last 30 years will feature, with brilliant new arrangements by Tony and Grammy Award-winning orchestrator Bill Sherman. Luke Sheppard (In The Heights) will direct, with a story by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), dazzling choreography from Jennifer Weber, and set design by Soutra Gilmour. Further casting will be announced in due course.
One thing’s for sure: & Juliet promises to be a vibrant new musical like no other. A preview of Miriam-Teak singing Baby One More Time can be found on the show website.