Former This Morning star Dr Ranj announces brand new role in theatre show

Dr Ranj will appear in & Juliet

Author: Emily BurrettPublished 14th May 2024
Last updated 14th May 2024

After thrilling audiences at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End from 2019-2023, and on Broadway where it is currently playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, the Olivier Award winning and Tony Award nominated musical & Juliet is embarking on a UK tour from the 8th July 2024, visiting Manchester, Southampton, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, Nottingham, Leeds and more.

The producers of & Juliet are delighted have announced that former This Morning and Lorraine star Dr Ranj Singh will make his musical theatre debut playing the role of Lance in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour.

Dr Ranj Singh said: “I am absolutely overjoyed to be making my musical theatre debut in & Juliet, a show I've been a fan of since it first opened. I know it’s a bit of a change from my usual work, but not many people will know how hard I've been working behind the scenes to make this happen, and it's an absolute dream come true. I can't wait to work with the incredible Luke Sheppard and the entire creative team and have the time of my life this year, showing the UK what I'm made of alongside an exceptionally talented and diverse cast. Bring it on!”

He joins the previously announced Matt Cardle as Shakespeare, Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Lara Denning as Anne, Sandra Marvin as Angelique, Jack Danson as Romeo, Kyle Cox as Francois and Jordan Broatch as May.

Also in the cast are Michael Nelson as Henry, Liam Morris as Richard, Jade Johnson as Nell / Lady C, Rosie Singha as Judith, Nia Stephen as Imogen, Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as Lucy/Alternate Juliet, Andilé Mabhena as Augustine / Dance Team, Harriet Caplan-Dean as Eleanor, Alexander Kranz as Lennox, Aaron Shales as Gregory / Dance Team, Toni Paise as Violet and Samuel Wilson-Freeman as Fletcher / Resident Director and Dance Captain.

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Britney Spears’ '…Baby One More Time', Katy Perry’s 'Roar' and chart toppers 'Since U Been Gone', 'It’s My Life', 'I Want It That Way', and 'Can’t Stop the Feeling!' — all from Max Martin, the genius songwriter/producer behind more Number 1 hits than any other artist this century, and his collaborators. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo.

& Juliet is a global success with the smash-hit Broadway production, breaking box office records and entering its second year in November 2023 and a US tour set to embark in September 2024.

The musical made its North American premiere with the pre-Broadway production opening at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto in 2022. The Australian production opened in Melbourne in February 2023 before heading to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore this summer. It will return to Australia this December opening in Perth before heading to Sydney in February 2024.

& Juliet is directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights, Rent, Little Big Things), with a Book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), choreography by Jennifer Weber and set design by Soutra Gilmour. Music is by Max Martin & Friends, costume design by Paloma Young, musical supervision, orchestration and arrangements by Bill Sherman, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Gareth Owen, video & projection design by Andrzej Goulding, hair, wig and makeup design by Suzy Barrett, musical direction, additional arrangements and orchestrations by Dominic Fallacaro, and casting direction by Stuart Burt.

To find out the full tour dates you can visit the & Juliet website.

Now check out the biggest films in 2024 and beyond:

Argylle

Release date: 2nd February 2024


With an all-star cast including the likes of Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Catherine O'Hara and Bryan Cranston, this new spy film was an exciting one for fans. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also worked on the smash-hit Kingsman franchise, the film sees the line between fiction and reality blur, as Elly Conway's spy novel begins to mirror a real-life spy organisation.

Dune: Part Two

Release date: 1st March 2024


The follow-up to 2021's smash-hit Dune, Dune: Part Two saw the return of stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as they continued their mythic journey. After fans were left slightly disappointed with the lack of Zendaya's presence in the first film, it seemed as though she would feature more heavily in the sequel, with Timothée stating before the film's release that her scenes are "incredible" and in "greater abundance".

Challengers

Release date: 26th April 2024


It's no secret that pretty much any film featuring superstar Zendaya is a hit! The actress stars as Tashi Donaldson in this romantic sports comedy-drama - a tennis player turned coach who becomes involved in a love triangle 'gone wrong'. Also starring are names such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and Faith Fay.

Inside Out 2

Release date: 14th June 2024


The sequel to 2015's Inside Out, we re-visit the colourful gang as Amy Poehler returned as Joy. The film was released in summer 2024, and explores Riley's emotions as a teenager. The film introduced four new Emotions, including Anxiety, which is voiced by Stranger Things and Do Revenge star Maya Hawke. An official teaser trailer for the film was released in November 2023, and the full-length trailer was released in March 2024. The film was a gargantuan success - becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, globally.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Release date: 25th July 2024


Returning for its highly-anticipated third instalment, Ryan Reynolds reprised his role as Deadpool (or should we say, Wade Wilson) in July 2024. The original film dropped back in February 2016, with the sequel arriving two years later in 2018. With Wolverine entering the mix, we saw the incredible combo of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman - with the flick surpassing 2019's Joker as the biggest R-rated movie ever.

A Quiet Place: Day One

Release date: 27th June 2024


A sequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place, titled A Quiet Place: Day One, served as a prequel to the original idea from John, detailing 'why our world went quiet'. The official trailer was released in February, with names such as Joseph Quinn, Lupita Nyong'o, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou and Denis O'Hare filling the impressive cast list.

Beetlejuice 2

Release date: 6th September 2024


The iconic 1988 hit Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton as the wacky titular character, officially came back into our lives in 2024 - with a sequel landing just in time to kick off the Autumn. Not only that, but the new fantasy horror comedy was once again be directed by Tim, with other legendary actors returning such as Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. Beetlejuice 2 also features Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, as well as Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.

Saw 11

Release date: 24th September 2024


September 2024 saw the infamous game continue as the 11th instalment in the Saw franchise arrived at cinemas. Fans of the gory horror didn't have to wait too long between films, with the 10th Saw only landing back in September 2023.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Release date: 4th October 2024


Following the huge success of the first Joker film in 2019, Joaquin Phoenix reprised his role in the highly-anticipated sequel, which was released in October 2024. Not only that, but we got to see none other than 'Born This Way' icon Lady Gaga star as the Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn, with pictures of her character first being teased in December 2023. Days before the film's released, it was announced that Gaga was releasing a companion album called 'Harlequin'.

Smile 2

Release date: 18th October 2024


Smile 2 headed our way in October 2024, with the sequel arriving around two years after the original horror/mystery film was released.

Wicked

Release date: 22nd November 2024


The hugely anticipated Wicked movie will be landing in two parts - with Part One dropping in late November 2024 (around Thanksgiving in the United States). Initially set for release on 27th November, this then moved forward to 22nd. Part Two will land a year later, with a current release date of 21st November 2025. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.

Moana 2

Release date: 29th November 2024


Disney bosses delighted fans in February by announcing a shock sequel to 2016 movie Moana! Sharing a short announcement clip, Disney confirmed the second movie will land in November 2024! By the looks of the teaser trailers - and the full-length trailer - it's not going to disappoint! Check out everything we know here.

Gladiator 2

Release date: 15th November 2024


A whopping 24-years after the release of the original smash-hit film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, a sequel is officially on the way! With a current scheduled release date of November 2024, the highly-anticipated movie will see the talented Ridley Scott return to direct, as well as Normal People's Paul Mescal take on a starring role.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Release date: 20th December 2024


Fans were incredibly excited when Disney announced another live-action film coming our way. In the now-released prequel film, we get to see Mufasa's journey to becoming the King.

Sonic 3

Release date: 21st December 2024


After the success of the first two Sonic films, which starred the likes of Ben Schwartz, James Marsden and Jim Carrey, fans were thrilled that the third instalment was to be released in 2024. The third film in the franchise features the introduction of a character named Shadow, who serves as the movie's main antagonist, with other iconic game characters such as Rouge the Bat making an appearance.

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fow

BBC bosses announced in June that there's going to be a brand new Wallace and Gromit moving dropping at Christmas time. Titled, Vengeance Most Fow, the 70-minute film will see the return of Feathers McGraw.


Release date: Christmas 2024

Now read:

The Devil Wears Prada Musical is coming to the West End

The Hunger Games is getting a live stage adaptation

Viral Willy Wonka Experience to be adapted as musical parody

How to listen to Hits Radio

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.