Following its seasons on West End and Broadway, & Juliet will be headed to Australia for its debut Australian production from March 2023 (In previews late-February 2023). Producers Michael Cassel Group have today confirmed that the lead and titular character will be portrayed by Lorinda May Merrypor. A proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman hailing from Rockhampton, Merrypor is ecstatic to inhabit this empowered reimagining of Shakespeare’s famed character, which will also double as her first starring role.
Ever since I could walk or talk it’s been my dream to perform a role like ‘Juliet’. When I got the call I burst into tears, just so overwhelmed that I have the opportunity to play such a strong and passionate female lead. I’ve grown up listening to Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, and Katy Perry, and I’m beyond excited that I will get to sing these iconic pop anthems night after night. I’m also excited to represent my First Nations community and the generations of storytellers that make me who I am as a performer.
Lorinda May Merrypor – ‘Juliet’ in Upcoming Australian Tour of & Juliet
After graduating from Queensland Conservatorium in 2016, Merrypor performed ensemble roles in American Idiot and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and most recently appeared in a touring production of Tony Briggs’ The Sapphires. Throughout 2020 and 2021 she dedicated her time to running workshops for aspiring young performers in remote communities across regional Queensland.
The moment we met Lorinda we knew she had something very special. Her extraordinary voice with its distinct pop sensibility blew us away, but it was her remarkable magnetism and power as a storyteller that made it clear she would be Australia’s ‘Juliet’.
Luke Sheppard – Director
& Juliet will commence at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from next March, the third city in the world to have the opportunity to enjoy this production. While it is billed as being an exclusive to the city, time will tell whether it tours to other states.
& Juliet seeks to present Shakespeare’s most famous love story, remixed with what is pitched as “some of the most iconic pop songs of the last three decades in an uplifting story of self-discovery, empowerment and love”. The production features a book by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read and music by Max Martin.
Want to know who will be joining Merrypor on-stage? A full cast announcement is expected by the end of the month.
For booking information, check out the show’s official website HERE.
