West Side Story

Youth Theatre Production

There are not enough superlatives to praise this outstanding production by Performing Arts Company.   This talented company just goes from strength to strength and the standard is just first class.
The pace, which was constant from the Prologue with the Orchestra who were on top form and sounded superb, leading into the opening scene with Riff and the Jets held the audience totally attentive, not wanting to miss any of the fast, slick action on stage.
Tight dance and fight routines which were so personal to every person on stage and their involvement in every move. We watched all the cast acting/dancing as individuals with the result of original and sometimes very unexpected new ideas and challenging routines.
Ryan Bishop as Tony in his first lead role with this company and Helen Waller as Maria were both outstanding. Their voices encompassed a huge range in their songs and were sung with great feeling in both tone and delivery.
The pairing was so charming and so believable with some tender moments making them very special.   At times the tensions and atmosphere coming from the cast and relayed to the audiences imagination was so electric you could hear a pin drop.
Lewis Philpott as Riff and Kelly Blackburn as Anita played great supporting characters with huge commitment from them.   Both with strong voices and excellent diction!
Ben Smart as Bernardo looked just right in this character and Thom Jones as Action and Adam Harding as Chino did well in their respective roles.
Abbi Marchant as Anybodys deserves a mention for her animation and energy which was terrific.
The main characters were supported by a very lively ensemble, and it was here in the ensemble numbers that the choreography came to life, and was performed with energy and enthusiasm. Overall the production was in the experienced hands of Director / Producer – Barbara Fairclough and Musical Director – Simon Ricketts. The Choreography was under the control of Jonathan Underhill, Jane Turnham assisted by Faye Anteney with special combat items by Thom Jones. Congratulations to a superb back stage staff led by Ian Underhill and an orchestra which gave super accompaniment to the singers without overpowering them.
It is comforting to know that there is so much good young talent coming through.  The enjoyment of participating in a production with a group of like-minded friends is second to none and, although the learning curve is a big one, it is one which lasts and helps in other walks of life building self-confidence and the ability to work as a team. 
On leaving the theatre I heard comments from people like, ”Why go to London to see a show when this talent is here.”    "I laughed and cried all through the show it was brilliant.”   ”I would like to see it again.” Praise indeed but so well deserved. Thank you so much for West Side Story! It was a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

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