West Side Story

Having never visited Tiverton Junior Operatic Club before, I was very excited and interested to see what you guys could offer. The first thing I discovered, is that you are really lucky to be able to use such a lovely little theatre, with an unexpectedly large stage. Also, how deceptive is your theatre! I would never have guessed it holds so many from outside. A really lovely venue to visit.

As the audience entered the auditorium, the curtains were already open revealing the set for the show. The set displayed two, graffitied, brick walls separated by a wall covered in a fabric or screen which was lit with coloured lights, giving a very stunning effect. As the play progressed, it became obvious that this was going to be the basic set for the whole play but with additional props and extra bits to highlight different scenes. Particularly, impressive was the set for the “rumble” under the bridge, which had a great silhouette of New York showing through the beautifully coloured backdrop and the simple use of two small bits of fencing really set the scene. Adopting this approach for the whole play was an incredibly clever idea and it meant that most of the scenes, the notable exception being Doc’s, were quick to change. Even though the set was simple, it looked really effective and was surprisingly changeable. Well done to Kev Behan and the gang.

The lightening, as mentioned, worked incredibly well and really helped elevate the production. The colours on the back drop were stunning and visually wise, it doesn’t get much better than finishing a scene with the silhouettes of two lovers against a vibrant coloured back drop. The sound for this production was very good and it is very rare that I get to visit a show where there are no noticeable feedbacks or sound issues, well done.

The costumes and wardrobe were dealt with very effectively by Wendy Tidborough, Jo Wilson-Hunt, Hannah Eaves and the committee and friends of TJOC. Although I was not convinced that some of the costumes completely fit the 1960s theme of the production, all the costumes worked well together to deliver the story of two groups of warring young men. Particularly impressive were the costumes of Anita, all of which were colourful and suitably elaborate.

The choreography was handled by Abbie Weston, and it was very good indeed. Every single person on that stage seemed to hit every step of the choreography and there was a real feeling of teamwork amongst the whole cast, although on several occasions the cast did seem to get into their positions for the songs a tad too early. All the dance numbers looked different and they were performed with precision timing, particularly good was the dance routine for “Gee, Officer Krupke” which was fun and energetic and lifted the tone after the very heavy ending/beginning to Acts 1 and 2

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