EXETER University, in collaboration with the Exeter Northcott theatre, will perform the classical musical, West Side Story, on Wednesday and Thursday, June 16/17.

EXETER University, in collaboration with the Exeter Northcott theatre, will perform the classical musical, West Side Story, on Wednesday and Thursday, June 16/17.

Complete with full orchestra and chorus, the semi-staged full-length production directed by Martin Harvey and produced by Kate Tyrrell, West Side Story is based on Romeo and Juliet and brings to life the tragic tale of forbidden love and gang rivalry between the New York Jets and Puerto Rican Sharks.

Marion Wood, its musical director and the university's director of music, said: "There is so much talent in the university and this joint venture with the Exeter Northcott is a massive collaboration.

"A high-calibre cast and orchestra have come forward to produce something truly unique."

Based on the book by Arthur Laurents, lyrics by Stephen Sondhiem, and music by Leonard Bernstein the musical contains well-known songs, including Somewhere, I Feel Pretty, America and Tonight.

More than 80 students are involved in the production. Shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are �5 for students/concession and �12 for all other seats.

They are available through the box office: (01392) 493493 and website: www.exetertickets.co.uk.