Broadway’s “& Juliet” has announced a new principal cast member. Oliver Tompsett will take on the role of William Shakespeare in the Luke Sheppard-helmed musical, a role he originated in the 2019 Manchester Opera House production and subsequent West End mounting. Tompsett will play the role from May 10 through June 16 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, temporarily replacing Austin Scott. Scott will resume his Shakespeare duties on June 18.
Tompsett’s other West End credits include the roles of Edward in “Pretty Woman,” Charlie Price in “Kinky Boots,” Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls,” Fiyero in “Wicked” and Galileo in “We Will Rock You.” “& Juliet” will mark his Broadway debut.
Featuring a Tony Award-nominated book by David West Read and slew of Max Martin pop songs, “& Juliet” reimagines Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in a story through which Juliet survives and embarks on a journey of female empowerment. The production opened on Nov. 17, 2022 and received nine 2023 Tony nominations, including a nod for Best Musical.
In addition to Scott, the current principal cast includes Lorna Courtney as Juliet (through May 12; the previously announced Maya Boyd will assume the role on May 14), David Bedella as Lance, Betsy Wolfe as Anne Hathaway, Justin David Sullivan as May, Charity Angél Dawson as Angélique, Ben Jackson Walker as Romeo and Philippe Arroyo as Francois. Casting is by Stephen Kopel and Carrie Gardner.
“& Juliet” is produced by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price.
