Debra Campbell🥇🦉

Easy drive and easy find, we join a HUGE crowd to see ‘Romeo & Juliet’….. whoops, no, that would be ‘& Juliet’ – phew, we are in the right place! (must’ve sped-read the brief haha)

“Welcome” – handed a cute pink ‘teen style’ Booklet Program. FANTASTIC with FREE lip balm!! Great impression already – reminded me of Dolly Magazine (if you’re old enough to know what that is). Yes, a Collector Poster inside too; ideal for autographs.

Now I’m going to start this review repeating the best recommendation I heard on opening night from the lucky friend I took along. She had just seen the professional production of ‘& Juliet’ on Broadway two weeks ago. Her words straight out when we exited the theatre were “well comparing to what I saw in New York that was right up there, didn’t lack anything”. So, in other words, comparatively to what we compare is the best place in the world to see shows, the team at Windmill Theatre Company have created a show that well deserves praise and recognition.

Grab a ticket for your entire family now to have the very best time with a Shakespeare classic gone POP!

Playing until June 21, 2026
Ticket link: https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/juliet-windmill-theatre-company

There have been so many adaptations of William Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET, into plays, into ballets, into movies, you name it, but no-one would have ever thought that songs we’ve all danced away to at every wedding since they hit the charts for Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi and Backstreet Boys, amongst others, would be used to re-write the ending (and journey of self-discovery) of probably the most famous romance of all time.

Adding to the electric pop music is a set that doesn’t stop with the action. Each piece of the story has props, towers, beds, balconies, small, big, whatever is needed and often combined with giant geometrical shapes in ever-changing patterns of light. Movement and use of strobes, spots, softness and subtleties make it probably the best high visual lighting I’ve seen create this sort of impact in an amateur production ever. It’s good!!!!

Tudor style is entranced into the crazy colourful costuming where sequins glitter, puffed sleeves expand, armour is polished, roller shoes are on and popularized hairstyles of space buns and bubble braids fly around the stage in demanding jazz and hiphop choreography (with a partner flip or two) that makes total sense of chaos! This musical is contagious FUN. You’ll wish you’d worn your medieval velour dress hiding in the back of your costume cupboard (at least that’s what I thought I should’ve pulled out LOL).

To bring this new story to life in boastful expression you need a new type of ‘Juliet’. Rachel Dwyer has grabbed this lead role with all she has and doesn’t let go. She’s every bit the fierce determined strong young woman and sings with those same qualities like a popstar. This is a very different ‘Juliet’ and she’s amazing!!

Alongside Juliet is her friend ‘April’ being controlled by ‘Anne’ narrating (Shakespeare’s wife with her preferred version of the story her husband is writing for Juliet). A virtuoso voice, Samantha Hammersley definitely suits her name as she hammers out both these roles with the utmost skill and precise timing 100% plus some.

‘William Shakespeare’ himself is played by David Torr and pulled off with ease bickering with his wife about changing his star-crossed lovers’ story, and particularly Romeo’s death (or not, with ‘take that’ attitude)

Inclusivity is paramount in any show and here it was in ‘I Kissed a Girl’ flawlessly performed by Addie Casamento playing ‘May’ and Sean Rentero playing ‘Francois’.

That one goddess showstopper vocal queen; hmmm… a few here, but my jaw dropped with the power of Katelyn Anitema playing ‘Angelique’

Goofy funster at the heart of the show; well done in acting it up to Tom Liszukiewicz playing ‘Romeo’.

The Boy Band comeback – as this is my era I can’t not mention the laughter from everyone where I was sitting on “am I sexual?” – Adam Kirk obviously enjoying his role as Lance Do Bois – brave line, BRAVO!

Sam Lyons and Finley Oldmeadow playing ‘Lord and Lady Capulet’ were very in with their characters and Finley’s bit role (giving opinion to ‘Shakespeare’) showed they can switch up any lines.

Ensemble stars – Afua Adjei, Benjamin Lee, Caitlin Furlong, David Vien, Gabbi Watson, Imogen Galbraith, Liam Canavan, Mack Williams, Michael Zinner, Nabs Adnan, Olivia Exposito, Olivia Fletcher, Shanae Thomas-Williams, Tineque Law, Sujanthan Satkunarajah, Alice Cooper, Breanne Ashwood, Colin Hartly, Kyan Esler, Merryn Purdy, Sean McBride, Sienna Levy, Sophie Cashin and Tom Fitzgerald.

Congratulations to this dynamic team. I am really looking forward to seeing more from Windmill Theatre Company.

Director: Sienna Iscaro
Music Director: Rachel Gorman
Choreographer: Guada Banez
Assistant Director: Mathew Arter
Assistant Choreographer: Joel Richardson
Producer: Peter Verhagen
Production Designer: Danny Ginsberg
Sound Designer: Tom Conroy
Lighting Designer: David Brown
Costume Designer: Amy Planner
Set Design: Ed Giling, Sean van Geyzel
Props Manager: Alison Robbie
Stage Manager: Karen Bates
Intimacy Coordinator: Josh Richardson
Program Designer: Luke Martin

More info: https://www.windmilltheatre.com.au/

Theatre Venue: Bunjil Place 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren is a magnificent theatre in outer Melbourne south east, lots of parking, next to a major shopping centre Fountain Gate. Exceptional canteen/cafe and tons of restaurants nearby.

To book tickets to & Juliet, please visit https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/juliet-windmill-theatre-company.

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