West Side Story takes to the stage in Telford

Telford College of Arts and Technology is staging four performances of West Side Story at Oakengates Theatre.

With a blend of classical and contemporary score, the musical paved the way for the future of musical theatre and its themes continue to be as relevant as the day of its Broadway debut in 1957.

The young actors and actresses, who are aged between eight and 21, have been given just a fortnight to prepare.

More than 50 people will be taking part in the production and will be accompanied by an orchestra featuring over 20 professional musicians from across the Midlands.

Some of those taking part are former TCAT students who now attend top London stage school ArtsEd, while others are students who have won places to start there in September.

Ross Doodson, musical director and company director for TCAT, said: “It’s a game changing musical.

“It changed the landscape that musicals were seen.

“It’s the story of Romeo and Juliet reimagined for Americans in the 1950s. It’s given them something to get their teeth stuck into.

“There will be huge dance numbers. It’s looking brilliant. They have been rehearsing since last Monday.

“We are doing the whole thing in two weeks. It’s our annual summer project. It used to be run by Telford & Wrekin Council but we took it over about three years ago.”

About 700 tickets to the performances have already been snapped up, with about 600 still on sale.

Mr Doodson added: “We’ve got 22 musicians in a live orchestra which is significantly bigger than what you would normally get.

“We’ve been really well supported to fund that orchestra. We’ve changed the layout of the theatre and the orchestra will be on stage.

“The audience will be on three sides. It will have an immersive feel to it.”

The shows will be at 2pm and 7.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets cost £13.50 and are available from the theatre box office on 01952 382382.