Production’s four-night run at Manor Pavilion begins tonight (Wednesday)

Sidmouth Youth Theatre’s production of West Side Story debuts at the Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth, tonight (Wednesday, February 3).

Some 80 young people have rehearsed long and hard to perform this challenging and iconic musical with skill and enthusiasm.

Based upon Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the immortal story of star-crossed lovers is transformed and set in a turf war of rival ethnic gangs. This landmark musical bravely addresses dark social issues that are as relevant today as when the musical first took to the stage in 1957.

While written more than 50 years ago, the issues expressed in West Side Story - racism, prejudice, anti-immigration and inequality – remain and are particularly relevant today.

With a full pit band supporting the performers as they tackle iconic songs, bringing the music of Leonard Bernstein to life, the company hope to create the reality of New York’s West Side with all its troubles and challenges.

The production will be performed at the Manor Pavilion Theatre, until Saturday, February 6.

See this Friday’s Sidmouth Herald for a picture special.