Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, & Juliet is a hilarious new musical that asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all? Gerardine Sacdalan leads as Juliet with Sandra Marvin as her nurse, friend and confidant Angelique, who discuss breaking free of the balcony scene to prove there’s life after Romeo.
Q. For people who think they know Romeo & Juliet, how does the show shake things up?
Sandra: Our version starts off where the other Romeo and Juliet story finishes. Shakespeare's wife Anne Hathaway isn't too keen on the ending, especially when it comes to how things end for Juliet, and she wonders: 'Why does Juliet have to follow the same fate as Romeo? Why can't this be the start of a new adventure for her, where this tragedy forces her to find herself?' So that's where our story begins, as Juliet goes on a real adventure with a new group of friends - although she does keep her nurse Angélique.
Gerardine: It gives a familiar story a more modern, fresher feel, with a very clever twist. As Sandra says, it asks 'What if Juliet didn't kill herself?' as it sort of rewrites her life and gives her an opportunity to explore the world around her without Romeo, at least at the beginning.
Q. You're playing well-known characters but how would you describe them as depicted in the show?
Gerardine: Juliet here is super sassy and very opinionated but she doesn't quite know where to direct those traits. She is such a fiery character and I actually see quite a lot of myself in Juliet, although she's like a heightened version, super silly, who faces every problem head on. She tries to hone in on her strong opinions as she seeks to find her way through life. She finds herself standing up for herself, which is something I completely admire about her and something that I think a lot of young people could learn from.
Sandra: Angélique's role within the Capulet family and her relationship with Juliet have defined her personality for many years. She's the emotional support for Juliet, she's the mother figure and the person who keeps her on the straight and narrow, but she's also her best friend.
It's really interesting because in the original Shakespeare play you see that side of her but in this show we explore who she is further and it's a lot of fun. She goes on her own little journey, she finds herself and she finds love - all things that are not explored in the original version. But believe me, as in any love story it's not as straightforward as you'd expect. There's a love twist and let's just say that it's quite energetic!
Q. Gerardine, do you see Juliet as a contemporary role model?
Gerardine: Absolutely. She's a heroine for young people in the audience and a heroine for me as well. She definitely sets an example that I really want to live by. She finds herself as she navigates her life throughout the musical and I can relate to that because I'm also trying to find my way through life. She's a little bit like a guardian angel for me really.
Q. Sandra, you're no stranger to musical theatre but what hooked you in about & Juliet?
Sandra: I love the themes, I love the empowerment aspect of it and I love the diversity of the cast. There are so many positive messages in this show that so many people can relate to. It's not just for the young ones or for mature audiences. There's a storyline in there for everyone, whether it's dealing with your first love, coming to terms with and accepting yourself for who you are and not what society thinks you should be, or finding yourself within a relationship.
It's a show that is so relatable for so many people and it's beautifully handled, with a lot of humour and a lot of heart as well. It's very touching but it's also hilarious, and it feels very modern because it's not in Shakespearean prose. Then there's also Backstreet Boys and Britney songs, among many others, so what more could anyone want?
Q. What do you especially enjoy about performing in musical theatre?
Sandra: I like how clever it is. If people go and watch a good musical they're taken on a journey, and as a performer I feel that with practically every character that I'm fortunate to play I learn something about myself. I think it's the same for an audience; you laugh, you cry and you discover something about yourself.
Gerardine: I think I can speak on behalf of a lot of people who do musical theatre when I say that it's such a beautiful form of expression. We're very expressive with how we feel and so in touch with our emotions to the point that we want to sing and dance about it as we deep-dive into other characters and how they feel. Musical theatre is so special to me because at a time when I didn't have the words to express my thoughts and my feelings, musicals and even plays did that for me.
Q. What are you looking forward to about taking & Juliet around the country?
Sandra: The show was an immense success in the West End and there was a real buzz about it, with a brilliant fanbase. But audiences around the regions might not know what to expect, so they're in for a fantastic surprise.
Gerardine: I'm looking forward to playing with it and seeing how our version of the show develops as well as seeing lots of interesting sights. I've only ever been to Cambridge, which is where I grew up, and London, which is where I went to drama school, so going to all these new places on the tour is going to be super fun.
Q. Sandra, as someone who has toured the country before are there any stops on the tour that are dear to your heart?
Sandra: Leeds is now my home town. I moved there for Emmerdale and after my run on the show ended I decided to stay. I fell in love with Leeds, and the theatre and the audiences there are just epic. I'm also really excited about taking the show back to Manchester, which is where it premiered in 2019. Manchester audiences are always up for a good time. Northern audiences have a reputation for being great, and they are, but honestly it's the same wherever you go - especially when it's with a show as lively, clever and fun as this one.
& Juliet comes to the Lyceum Theatre from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 31 May. Tickets can be booked at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.