Producers of the award-winning coming-of-age jukebox musical featuring the music of Swedish pop songwriter Max Martin & Juliet, have revealed that The Wanted singer and 2015 Strictly Come Dancing winner Jay McGuiness will star as Shakespeare during the second leg of the tour from Bristol to Nottingham.
Doctor, BAFTA award-winning TV and radio presenter Ranj Singh will continue to play the role of Lance for certain venues next year including Wimbledon, Dublin, Bradford, Birmingham, Sheffield and Cardiff.
The roles of Shakespeare and Lance at all other venues will be announced in due course.
On joining the 2025 cast, Jays says: “I love these songs; Max Martin has written hit after hit. I’ve really missed singing and dancing as the last thing I did was a play, so I’m excited to get back into it. And I love the & Juliet costumes, especially Shakespeare’s!”
& Juliet | Official Trailer
& Juliet is a hit jukebox musical that reimagines the classic story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Instead of the traditional tragic ending, the musical explores an alternate reality where Juliet decides to live her life to the fullest after Romeo’s death. The show is packed with humor, heart, and a fresh perspective on self-empowerment and agency.
The show features pop hits written by Max Martin, the legendary songwriter behind chart-topping songs for artists like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and Katy Perry.
With a book by David West Read, and choreography by Jennifer Weber, the musical premiered in London’s West End in 2019 and has since gained critical acclaim for its vibrant performances, inclusive storytelling, and high-energy production. It later debuted on Broadway in 2022.
For details of the productions 2024 / 2024 UK tour, click here.