West Side Story

This must be one of the most popular shows in the modern genre and this production certainly exploded on to the stage at the Devonshire Park Theatre with its beautifully choreographed violence.  Definitely a show for our time, telling the story of gang warfare and stabbings which we sadly hear about on the news virtually every day in this country. The humour and poignancy and the wonderful music were all dealt with in great fashion as well. 

The simple set (possibly not that simple to erect!) comprising scaffolding was all that was needed to portray every nuance in the whole piece and the talented orchestra under the direction of Carl Greenwood were superb.

So many people enjoyed EODS' production of Romeo & Juliet in the Italian Gardens during the summer, so it was extremely fitting for this very contemporary version of Shakespeare’s play to be performed on stage in the same year with a young and talented cast.

The starstruck lovers were played with great compassion by Will Hopkins and Lizzie Baker both using their acting ability and amazing voices to give us a Tony and Maria who will be long remembered in the annals of local musical theatre.

All members of the Jets and Sharks, those with named parts and the rest of the gang members, gave their all in acting and movement. Great performances as well from Clem Jackson as Doc, trying so hard to get the Puerto Ricans and the Americans to forget their intolerance of each other and Ollie Price as Officer Krupke providing a lot of humour as the butt of those on the street.

This musical gives us so many songs that we never tire listening to and all were put over with skill with the expert tuition of Musical Director Carl Greenwood and Vocal Director Adam Hoskins.

All those behind the scenes must be thanked for all they do and many congratulations to Director and Choreographer Sarah Dormady for bringing this production to the Eastbourne Stage.

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