‘& Juliet’: Melbourne’s exclusive pop musical reimagining Shakespeare
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10.05.2022

‘& Juliet’: Melbourne’s exclusive pop musical reimagining Shakespeare

& Juliet
& Juliet
& Juliet
Credit: Johan Persson
& Juliet
& Juliet
& Juliet
1 / 6
Photography by Johan Persson

The West End’s award-winning anthemic pop musical '& Juliet' will make its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre from February 2023 in a new production exclusive to Melbourne.

The basic premise is the question, ‘What if the ending we all know so well was just the beginning? What if Juliet chose her own fate?’

The musical markets itself as a chance to follow the original Anne Hathaway as she takes on her husband, William Shakespeare, in a comedic journey of self-discovery and second chances.

Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows and theatrical events here.

Featuring the music of legendary pop songwriter Max Martin and with a book by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek, David West Read, & Juliet tells a version of Romeo and Juliet in which Juliet doesn’t die but chooses her own fate. The musical features iconic hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Kelly Clarkson, accompanied by electrifying choreography.

& Juliet first premiered in London’s West End in November 2019 to critical acclaim and has experienced strong box office sales since reopening in September 2021. Melbourne’s secured the hit musical in only its third ever production worldwide, with the city set to be the third destination after London and Toronto.

& Juliet arrives as the latest string in Australian theatre’s bow after Harry Potter and the Cursed Child recently become the first stage play in Australian history to sell more than one million tickets.

Overall, it’s been a surprisingly strong rebound for Melbourne’s stage scene following the obvious. Moulin Rouge! The Musical received stellar reviews and a string of sold out shows, resulting in the production announcing it would return to Melbourne from August 2023.

Australian producer Michael Cassel said of the announcement: “& Juliet takes the greatest love story of all time and gives it a brilliant 21st century remix. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s a true celebration on stage, overflowing with amazing pop music by the legendary Max Martin who has had more #1 hits than any other artist this century. As audiences, more than ever before, we want to feel uplifted, we want to celebrate, we want to have a great time. & Juliet gives us all of that. We can’t wait for Melbourne to see this show”.

& Juliet first premiered on London’s West End in 2019, was nominated for nine and went on to win three Olivier Awards. It’s been brought to life by an award-winning and critically acclaimed creative team: directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights, Rent) with a story by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), choreography from Jennifer Weber, and set design from Soutra Gilmour.

& Juliet is presented by Max Martin and Tim Headington and is produced by Martin Dodd, Jenny Petersson, Theresa Steele Page and Michael Cassel.

Tickets go on sale from October 2022. Sign-up to the waitlist here.