West Side Story

It must have been such a fantastic feeling for all concerned to be back on stage following the hiatus way back in March 2020. The months of  rehearsal combined with what was sure to have been great expense when Covid  prevented Peterbrook Players from performing ended with their 2023 presentation -West Side Story.

One of my all-time favourites it is rarely performed by amateur groups maybe, because for some societies the successful casting of such a large number of younger people being the Jets and the sharks, would be challenging to say the least.

The different personalities within the two rival gangs had I’m sure been developed during rehearsals to ensure that it was completely evident to the audience who was in which gang.

Let’s start with the Shark Boys. Leader Bernardo was played with authority by Michael John Green, having seen Michael in many different roles over the years I thought not only did he look the part he acted the character very well and I liked his accent. Along with the others Chino, Bernardo’s right-hand man played by David Winfield, Pepe, Indio and Anxious played by Harvey Grant, Jude Maskell and David Wade respectively.

The energy shown by both gangs throughout in all the dance and fight scenes was evident. Whilst on the subject I need to compliment the choreography of Abi Harvey who was assisted by Amy Keating, I personally think the musical numbers in West Side Story really suited Abie’s style of dance and also, I would like to mention the fight Co-ordinator- Roni Elson who achieved in making the fights look totally believable and realistic which I can only imagine could be very difficult on occasions.

Next let’s look at the Jet Boys. Louis Delaney played the leader of the jets, Riff. His right-hand man Action was played with strength and conviction by Matt Alton, Matt’s confidence has grown over the years and so of course has his stage presence. The other members A Rab, Baby John, Snowboy, Big Deal, Diesel were played by Alex Fraser, Jacob Young, Dylan Norris, Matt Barnard and Roni Elson respectively. Not forgetting Anybodys who was played well by Katie Holtom.

Where there are boys you will nearly always find they have some stunning girls on their arm, everyone’s favourite America and also Tonight saw the boys showing off their girls, who without mentioning everyone by name were all without exception fabulous, the dancing whilst also singing was superb.

There are three people who I feel deserve a special mention on this occasion – Chloe Rawson was absolutely mesmerising as Anita; her accent and mannerisms were totally believable throughout.

I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between smooth talking/singing Tony [Ed Mears] and Maria [Lily Hughes] their voices had such wonderfully matched tone. I noted from the programme Lilys previous  show was 8 years ago, I can’t wait to see what she goes on to do next!

All the above were accompanied on the stage by Rob Jervis as Schrank the racist police chief, Phil Boam played Officer Krupke, Brendan Bloomer played Doc and finally Gladhand was played by David Shuttleworth.

The large orchestra were under the expert musical direction of Tim and did not overpower the cast at any point during the production as can often be the case. I would like to also give a special mention to Tim for the arrangement of the Finale -Somewhere reprise, quite simply stunning.

With such modern simple scenery and stunning costumes throughout all eyes were undoubtedly on the casts every move, listening intently to every spoken word, totally immersed in the production that was the culmination of the director’s vision.

Congratulations Andy, as I said backstage West Side Story truly was one of the best amateur productions I’ve seen to date at The Core. Peterbrook Players are well & truly back with a bang.

The production made even more special by those in the audience giving the well-deserved standing ovations to the people you know on stage, living their best life [if only for a few days] making those months of rehearsals so very worthwhile.

Thank you once again for the invitation and your hospitality as always, looking forward to Fiddler on The Roof.

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