The West End’s award-winning contemporary musical & Juliet will make its Australian premiere in Melbourne at the Regent Theatre in February next year thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced that Melbourne has secured the hit musical in only its third ever production worldwide.
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 will be the third destination after London and Toronto to host this feel-good new musical, providing strong incentive for people to travel from interstate to see the show and explore everything else on offer in the city.
Securing the Australian premiere of & Juliet continues a run of theatrical triumphs for Melbourne. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child recently become the first stage play in Australian history to sell more than one million tickets.
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.
The Labor Government is backing the return of a packed calendar of major events, bringing thousands of visitors and creating local jobs.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Melbourne is Australia’s theatre capital. Hit shows like & Juliet attract thousands of visitors to Melbourne boosting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.”
“We continue to add to our stellar calendar of major events because it means jobs for Victorians.”
As stated by Producer and Michael Cassel Group CEO Michael Cassel
“& JULIET takes the greatest love story of all time and gives it a brilliant 21st century remix. 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 for Melbourne to see this show”
