West Side Story

Photo by Alastair Muir

With ground breaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, an unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre for ever. Read more …

Leading the talented new cast is Katie Hall as Maria and Louis Maskell as her star-crossed lover Tony. Katie has most recently played Christine in the national tour of Phantom of the Opera and Cosette in Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre in the West End, while Louis has previously appeared in the national tour of Scrooge -The Musical. Djalenga Scott brings her energy and experience from Chicago, Flashdance and The Rocky Horror Show to play the pivotal role of Anita. In the rival gang, Jack Wilcox takes on the ill-fated character of Riff, Tony’s best friend and co-founder of the Jets. Jack was most recently in Singin’ in the Rain at the West End’s Palace Theatre and has also appeared in Wicked.

This bright, dynamic new cast is directed and choreographed by Joey McKneely using the Jerome Robbins full, original choreography. Joey has worked extensively on Broadway and was the former assistant to Jerome Robbins so brings with him the true essence of the original production.

The critical consensus

Joey McKneely’s production of this masterpiece is spellbinding.

(*) Laura Orton, The Public Reviews, 12/12/2013

Even though the denouement and poignant ending is well known, it still manages to shock here, thanks to a talented cast and dynamic direction.

Glenn Meads, WhatsOnStage.com, 12/12/2013

Musicals have a reputation for being fluffy, but West Side Story retains a visceral, pessimistic force. The big numbers are brought to show-stopping life by the cast, and Robbins’ choregraphy matches Bernstein’s grandeur beat for beat: approaching sixty, West Side Story still has the energy of a new kid on the block.

(*) Gareth K Vile, The List, 18/12/2013

Although [it is] not the most spectacular production you are ever likely to see – it’s more heartfelt than explosive, and more carefully-crafted than loud or glitzy – its quiet passion for the telling of a timeless story, and the absolute commitment of a gifted young cast, make it an evening to remember.

(*) Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman, 16/01/2014

Deserving of its status as an all-time great, this beautifully executed production with its pitch-perfect cast is simply unmissable.

Lauren Humphreys, The Public Reviews, 17/01/2014

West Side Story is a must-see. It may touch on some tough topics such as racism, gangs, rape, immigration and murder, but it is gripping and emotional, and still extremely topical today.

(*) Adelle Hopkins, Theatre in Scotland, 16/01/2014

While this adheres as closely as possible to the original version of West Side Story, it doesn’t seem the most relevant or appropriate version.

(*) (*) Eric Karoulla, The Skinny, 24/01/2014