BWW Reviews: WEST SIDE STORY, King's Theatre, Glasgow, January 15 2014

As far as musicals go, West Side Story seems to have it all. A timeless soundtrack; incredible choreography; an intense love story and just the right amount of violence.

Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story centres around two rival gangs - the Sharks and the Jets. The rivalry revolves around their ethnic differences with The Sharks moving to Manhattan from Puerto Rico. Tony, a member of the Jets, falls in love with the sister of the leader of the rival gang and they plan to marry.

This production has been well cast. Every single cast member seemed to be able to keep up with the musical numbers, the elaborate dance routines and their acting was excellent. Katie Hall and BWW:UK Award winner Louis Maskell were a believable Maria and Tony and were fantastic in the leading roles. Special mention has to be given to Djalenga Scott as Anita which is my personal favourite character and she did an outstanding job.

As I previously mentioned, the music in West Side Story is undeniably brilliant. Packed with hits as Tonight, America, Somewhere and A Boy Like That you would be hard pushed to find any "filler" songs amoungst them.

Considering West Side Story opened on Broadway nearly sixty years ago it is impossible to say anything about it that hasn't been said already. West Side Story manages to stay very fresh and I found this to be an excellent production.

West Side Story is on tour across the UK.