Romeo and Juliet have always been inseparable. Who amongst us hasn’t wondered what would’ve happened if Juliet had chosen herself instead? '& Juliet' flips the classic story on its head, pairing a high-energy pop soundtrack with a dynamic cast to explore independence, resilience, friendship and self-discovery in a queer landscape.
'& Juliet' is unashamedly fun, modern story-telling. High-energy, bright and vibrant' – FUSE Magazine
THIS INTERVIEW AT A GLANCE
- Josh Kirk plays May, a new non‑binary character created for & Juliet.
- This new show asks what happens if Juliet survives.
- '& Juliet' uses pop songs and mixes period and modern elements..
- May’s storyline focuses on navigating life as someone who identifies differently and learning self‑acceptance.
- Kirk says the cast and creatives have fostered a supportive, encouraging rehearsal room and hopes young queer people in the audience feel seen and safe exploring their own identities.
- '& Juliet' runs at The Q from 31 March to 26 April 2026.
Estimated read time: 1.5–2 minutes
Daniela Koulikov from FUSE spoke with Josh Kirk, who plays May, in Free-Rain Theatres' upcoming show '& Juliet' about individuality and finding joy on your own terms.
Hi, Josh, it’s nice to speak with you! Tell me a bit about & Juliet.
It’s a really high energy, fun show that uses songs by Max Martin. Lots of early 2000s, 90s hits, lots of Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys. It’s a really good time. The plot is, what if Juliet lived? What if, at the end of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet didn’t die? What if, instead she set out to find herself and go on this journey, making friends along the way?
It’s loosely set in the same time period as the original, but it does flip the script at times. It’s got modern elements, selfies, camcorders, that kind of thing.
The appeal of the show is that it is unashamedly fun.
Let’s chat about May. Who is May?
May is a new character that’s been introduced. They aren’t in the original Romeo and Juliet. They’re Juliet’s best friend and are a non-binary person. A lot of their storyline is about finding your way as someone who identifies differently. The challenges that come along with that and learning self-acceptance throughout.
What drew you to the role of May in particular?
It’s such an exciting role, and so different from anything I’ve played before. As a queer person myself, it’s exciting to play someone who does fall outside of the very standard tropes that you usually see in musical theatre. Someone who’s out there and proudly queer. May is such a fun, bright, and vibrant character.
It’s nice to play a character where I can really lean into that and find the joy in it.
What’s your favourite scene or number to perform?
That’s a tough one! I really enjoy “Everybody”, by the Backstreet Boys. We perform it as a boy band, super fun, super high energy, big dance number. My other favourite would have to be, “I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman”, by Britney Spears. It’s a great, emotional piece where I get to show May’s deep insecurities and thoughts about themselves.
What has it been like with the cast?
Fantastic. I truly cannot think of a single negative. Everyone has been so warm, welcoming and encouraging. The creatives encourage the cast to live up to their best potential.
What do you hope audiences take away from May’s story?
My hope is that there’s some young, queer people in the audience, seeing that sort of representation on stage. Of someone who is unashamedly queer and presents themselves differently to what you’d really see in everyday life, and that’s okay. That’s not something to be ashamed of. That’s something to be proud of.
When you come out, you don’t have across the board acceptance. I have, and a lot of people do, have periods where they will start to question their own identity, and who they are. How they present. Playing May is such a great opportunity because it’s freeing to play someone who does embrace that different identity.
Are you drawn to playing queer characters, in particular?
I think so. I would love the opportunity to play more. They’re starting to become more prevalent. & Juliet does a really good job of showing that visibility. I’m hoping that in years to come, there’ll be more of a push to show more of these sorts of different identities and sexualities on stage.
Particularly with stories like Romeo and Juliet, when they’re so well-known and already loved. & Juliet approaches it with respect and love, and expands upon it, pushes it towards a modern way of storytelling.
It puts it in a realm of something that a lot of audiences can already identify with and introduces these concepts in a way that’s easily digestible.
If someone in the audience is questioning their identity, what do you hope they feel when they see this show?
I hope they get a sense that it’s okay to explore that side of themselves. The show does a really good job at showing the realities of what it’s like as a queer person, and the various forms of presenting as queer. It shows just how worth it, it is in the end if you truly embrace yourself.
Thank you, Josh! We look forward to seeing your performance live!
& Juliet is showing at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday 31 March to Sunday 26 April 2026.
