Love stories typically come to a close with two cliché endings: a fairy-tale happily ever after or a tear-jerking tragedy. And if you’re just like us, itching for something different, then hold onto your seats, because the dazzling pop musical & Juliet is about to break the mould.
Hailing all the way from the West End to grace the Sands Theatre from September 21 to October 15, this exciting musical reimagines the ending of one of the world’s most famous love stories – William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In this parallel universe of sorts, Juliet seizes control of her destiny, choosing to steer her own life instead of ending it for the sake of love. (You go, Juliet!)
The book musical is written by acclaimed television writer, playwright, and producer David West Read, best known for writing the sitcom series Schitt’s Creek. The musical is accompanied with mega pop hits written by Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter Max Martin, the man behind some of the greatest hits of our time. And that can only mean one thing – get ready to sing your hearts out to bangers from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and more.
Kuungkari and South Sea Islander performer Lorinda May Merrypor takes on the role of Juliet, while Swedish multidisciplinary artist Blake Appelqvist, who recently starred as Harry in the 2021 ARIA Award-nominated musical Fangirls, wears the shoes of Romeo. Not forgetting other cast members that include award-winning musical theatre star Amy Lehpamer as Anne, Australia actor Rob Mills as Shakespeare, Australian singer-songwriter Casey Donovan as Angelique and New Zealand actor Hayden Tee as Lance.
We had the privilege to chat with the lovely duo Lorinda (Juliet) and Blake (Romeo) as they spill the beans on all things & Juliet – from what to expect and their personal favourite soundtracks to their deep connection with their characters, and beyond!
& Juliet’s plot reimagines the ending of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." What fresh perspectives do you think this production brings to this classic tale of love and tragedy?
Blake: I think there's so much that's fresh about our production not just in reference to the story of Romeo and Juliet but also other love notions that we’ve been taught and fed through the media and love songs. However one of the things that I found really inspiring in particular about the show is the approach to costuming and how it really reflects modern fashion. Even though it still incorporates Shakespeare elements, we had a lot of say on how we wanted to look and feel in the clothing we are wearing. I find that was a really interesting and wonderful way to modernise the classic tale – by combining Shakespearean clothing and modern silhouettes.
Instead of cookie-cutter clichés, it tells a story of how people and love aren’t perfect.
Lorinda: Yes, the costumes make it timeless in a way. Our show feels like it's not exactly set in Shakespeare’s time but it also doesn't feel like it is set in our current times – it could be anywhere, almost like a parallel universe. And for me, the way the story transforms for & Juliet really reflects real life. Instead of cookie-cutter clichés, it tells a story of how people and love aren’t perfect. There are always going to be problems to work through. That’s something I really like about & Juliet – it’s really real.
In & Juliet, Juliet takes charge of her destiny in a way that differs from Shakespeare's original. What notable differences in their traits set them apart from the classic Romeo and Juliet characters and do both of you find yourself relating to their characters personally?
Lorinda: Oh my gosh, I am massively Juliet (laughs). If you watch the show, you’ll come to know who Lorinda is as a person. That was actually something that was so great about this process! We were able to bring our own flavours to the songs, scenes and characters as a whole. It was never about just following the script. And even though our songs were originally sung by pop stars like Britney Spears and Ariana Grande, and the story has been told before, we were never expected to just replicate the original. That has been something very empowering and freeing when stepping into these roles – having the ability to make them our own and infusing our own personality into the roles.
In terms of Juliet's character, she was told who she is in the original story, and she falls into a situation and just goes along with the flow. However in our rendition, Juliet realises she doesn't have to do the expected thing, which is falling in love, getting married, etc. This frees her up to meet new people and have new experiences. She is also able to delve into different types of relationships apart from her love life, like friendships and parental relationships. She gets to take charge of every single part of her life. Lastly, I think having this show seen and told from Juliet’s perspective is the main difference from the original story.
Blake: I am very similar to Lorinda with Romeo being very much me. If you come to the show, you’ll be able to meet me through this character. In terms of our version of the story, one of the biggest differences is the music. It’s kind of fascinating doing the show knowing the classic tale would normally not have any music. The pop songs in the show are the ones you belt out in the shower or when you’re on a roadtrip with friends. There are just so many added emotions like joy and pain. So much of the human experience is in music. It’s like an extra language added to the show almost! From that, I feel like Juliet and Romeo are very much rockstars living our best life. Costumes are important in the classic Romeo and Juliet tale and music is so important in ours.
Both Romeos also have our hearts on our sleeves and have made a lot of mistakes. What I love about playing Romeo is that the mess is so celebrated and people connect with it so quickly because it is not a perfect love story. And that's the story that we’re telling.
Can you share your personal favourite soundtrack from the show and how you felt it enhanced the storytelling?
Lorinda: That’s a really difficult question! I ask myself this question all the time and I have a different answer each time because I can’t decide. Genuinely, I love all the songs in the show and they did such a great job weaving them into the story. Every song fits so perfectly in the moment. And you know what’s interesting is that these songs were not originally written for the show but the way the lyrics are able to tell the story so perfectly is almost like they were. It never feels forced and the songs are scenes in themselves.
Blake: I really like the function of one of the songs, One More Try, because it was written specifically for the show. It's one of the only ones that the audience isn’t able to identify right away from the intro. For the song Since U Been Gone, the intro comes on and immediately half the audience is on board. And similar to the story, people are familiar with the perimeters of it but One More Try adds an unfamiliar element where people are like ‘Wait, what’s this?’ It’s a lovely, fresh and original part of & Juliet.
Lorinda: And it’s such a cool moment too. When the song comes on there’s a weird stillness you feel in the whole room because everyone’s trying to figure out what this song is.
Blake: It’s a beautiful song that represents a lot of the themes in the show, particularly the idea that Juliet has a second chance at her own story.
If you could choose any additional pop song, not currently in the show, to be included in & Juliet, what song would it be and why?
Lorinda: I feel like I have to keep it in the Max Martin family because he’s the legend of pop. One of my favourite pop singers is Ariana Grande, and Max and Ariana have worked together quite a bit. He wrote this song for her called Dangerous Woman and I just think that would absolutely go off.
Blake: I think for me, I’m gonna step outside of the Max Martin sphere since you’ve already mentioned. I would choose What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish (the soundtrack for the Barbie movie) because there're a lot of similarities between Barbie in Barbie and Juliet in & Juliet. Both tell the story of someone whose identity and destiny has been decided for them.
Lorinda: You've blown my mind. We need to figure out how to add this song in! (laughs)
What’s a personal take away from the show that you hope the audience takes away as well?
Lorinda: David West Read has done such a great job. Each character goes on their own journey in the show that teaches us different things. That’s also something that makes the show so good because there’s at least one storyline on stage that the audience will be able to relate to and be like, “Oh, that’s me!”.
I think for me, through playing Juliet, the main thing I take away is the self-discovery story. The idea that only once you cultivate a sense of self love and have gone on that journey of discovering who you are – although no one exactly knows who they are entirely – that's when you can truly pour into other people's cups and lift other people up.
Also, this role is a very big one on and off stage. It was definitely something I was nervous and scared about being on the front and I had a few insecurities about it. Similar to Juliet having to learn to love the ups and downs, I had to as well. If life were perfect, it would be boring. Having challenges is what helps you to grow and learn more about yourself. It’s about learning to love the journey and I do. It has been such an incredible journey for me.
I think so much of Shakespearean text focuses on romantic love and that marriage is the pinnacle of what successful love can be. However, what I love about our show and the takeaway I want people to have is that there are other sorts of love worth celebrating as well.
Blake: My takeaway from the show and something I hope people talk about in the car ride home is actually related to something you said at the beginning of the interview – where love usually ends with a wedding or tragedy. I think so much of Shakespearean text focuses on romantic love and that marriage is the pinnacle of what successful love can be. However, what I love about our show and the takeaway I want people to have is that there are other sorts of love worth celebrating as well. Like the love you have between friends, family, and ultimately the love story you have with yourself as with Juliet’s love story with herself in & Juliet. I hope people will go home with a different idea of love through witnessing the different relationships in our show.
Lorinda: And also to just love the journey. There are points in everyone’s life, even in the show, where we face difficult times. I hope through & Juliet, they learn to love the bumps because you can't have mountains without the valleys. Love the bumps, guys!
& Juliet is showing at the Sands Theatre from September 21 to October 15. Do yourself a favour and secure your tickets here!
