Photo Coverage: International Tour Of WEST SIDE STORY In London!

The international cast of "WEST SIDE STORY" has arrived in London for the show's run at Sadler's Wells until 22 September, and some of the members of the two rival gangs - The Jets and The Sharks - headed to London's edgy and urban Leake Street, SE1 to re-create some of the show's most iconic dance moves.

"WEST SIDE STORY" changed the course of musical theatre when it opened on Broadway in 1957 and it still remains one of the most successful stage shows of all time. The 1961 film version won ten Academy Awards. Based on Romeo and Juliet, "WEST SIDE STORY" is set on Manhattan's Upper West Side and explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs; one white, the other Puerto Rican. When Tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang's leader, the feud takes on a new dimension, and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred. The score includes the unforgettable songs 'Maria', 'Tonight', 'Somewhere', 'America' and 'I Feel Pretty'.

"WEST SIDE STORY", originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, has a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein with Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. This production is directed and choreographed by Joey McKneely using the full original Jerome Robbins choreography. Joey is the former assistant to Jerome Robbins. He has worked extensively on Broadway where his choreography credits include "Smokey Joe's Café" (Tony Award nomination) and "The Boy From Oz" starring Hugh Jackman. His other credits include Hal Prince's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Whistle Down the Wind" and Nicholas Hytner's production of "Twelfth Night".

The Jets and Sharks pictures in the Photo Gallery are:

· The Sharks: Tiffany Mellard, Natonia Monét, Naomie C Walley,

· The Jets: Michael Bullard, Matthew Couvillon, Beau Middlebrook, Andrew Purcell, Mitchell Woodcock

Pictures by Paul Rider and Jonathan Hordle

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