We chatted to Gerardine about starring as Juliet in the upcoming UK tour of & Juliet, which is set to open at the Manchester Opera House on 8 July 2024.
How does it feel to be part of &Juliet? It feels like I’ve been adopted into one huge family. The community vibe between all Juliet productions internationally is so evident, that it feels that everyone is so supported and loved. &Juliet as a musical is one with incredibly important messages that needs to be heard on a global scale, so to be a small part of that is an honour.
What are you enjoying the most about being part of the show so far? This is a very hard question, I come home everyday with my cheeks hurting because I just haven’t been able to stop smiling! The rehearsal process is always so special because you get to see your cast in all their glory for the first time! Seeing everything come together piece by piece is a feeling like no other.
How does it feel to be taking the show around the UK? It feels amazing to be able to travel and see all parts of the UK whilst also doing my dream job! It also feels rewarding to be able to make this show even more accessible than it was before, taking the musical to more local theatres to audiences across the UK.
How would you describe Juliet? Juliet is a sassy firecracker, who is strongly opinionated but leads with a good heart and a forward thinking mindset. Juliet is a heroine for me, and leads by example with characteristics I aspire to obtain.
Do you have a favourite song that you get to perform? This varies depending on the day! Each song is a banger, but at the moment my favourite song to perform is Show Me Love.
For those who have yet to experience &Juliet, what can they expect? They can expect to experience one of the best nights out led by the magic of Max Martin’s music, the humour of David West Read with his impeccable writing, and the addictive choreography by Jennifer Weber. Think of all the sparkles, glitter and fireworks and multiply that by ten and you’ve got a pretty accurate depiction of how you’ll feel after you leave the theatre.
By Emma Clarendon
To find out more about the UK tour visit: https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk/