Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Jay McGuiness is set to take on a new role as William Shakespeare in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of the musical & Juliet. The 34-year-old singer from The Wanted will be showcasing his acting skills in cities such as Bristol, Wimbledon, Aberdeen, Leicester, Dublin, Woking, Bradford, Milton Keynes, and Nottingham in 2025. Meanwhile, TV presenter Ranj Singh will be reprising his role as Lance, which he played during the first leg of the tour this year.
Created by David West Read, & Juliet explores an alternate ending to the classic play Romeo And Juliet, imagining what would have happened if Juliet had chosen not to end her life. The musical features a collection of popular songs written by Max Martin, including hits like Britney Spears’ …Baby One More Time, Katy Perry’s Roar, and Kelly Clarkson’s Since U Been Gone.
Excited about his new role, McGuiness expressed his love for the catchy songs penned by Max Martin, highlighting his eagerness to return to singing and dancing. Having previously won the 2015 season of Strictly Come Dancing with partner Aliona Vilani, beating out other talented finalists, McGuiness is no stranger to the spotlight. As a member of The Wanted, he achieved chart-topping success with songs like All Time Low and Glad You Came, in addition to multiple top 10 singles and albums in the UK.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, McGuiness has also showcased his talents on stage in various productions, including Rip It Up, a 60s-themed show in London, a musical adaptation of the film Big, and the role of Sam in Sleepless: A Musical Romance. Joining a talented cast including Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Lara Denning as Anne, and Sandra Marvin as Angelique, McGuiness is gearing up for an exciting run of performances in & Juliet.
The musical has garnered critical acclaim since its premiere at Manchester Opera House in 2019, subsequently making its way to the West End and securing three Olivier Awards. With McGuiness taking on the iconic role of William Shakespeare, audiences can expect a fresh interpretation of the beloved character as he weaves his way through the musical journey of & Juliet.
Fans of McGuiness and theater enthusiasts alike can catch him in action during the second leg of the & Juliet UK and Ireland tour, which is scheduled to kick off in January 2025 at the Bristol Hippodrome and conclude in April 2025 at the Nottingham Theatre Royal. Don’t miss the chance to witness McGuiness’s portrayal of Shakespeare in this innovative and captivating production that puts a modern twist on a classic tale.