West Side Story at Sadler's Wells

“When you’re a Jet you’re a Jet all the way…” I sang (too loudly) to myself on the Central line yesterday. I know I was singing too loudly because people moved away from where I was sitting. They looked nervous. Or maybe it was my moody (but most excellent) clicking of fingers.. For anyone who’s anyone knows you can’t possibly sing one line of West Side Story without clicking your fingers. And doing a high kick or two. (I didn’t do that – I know where to draw the line.)

I was off to Sadler’s Wells to see Joey McKneely’s 50th anniversary staging of the indefatigable West Side Story – arguably the best musical written.. (I’d argue it.)

Waiting for it to begin..

Fifty years on, the tough themes of gang culture and racism are still relevant, however the energy, costume, staging, choreography and passion that was leaping in fiery flames off the stage, made this production far more fresh and exciting than I had ever anticipated. 

I was so excited I tweeted Maria in the interval:

This was a stonking production, with a fantastic company who owned the stage, danced their bums off and managed to keep me in suspense and give me goosebumps, even though I know the story like the back of my hand. (Incidentally, I just spotted a freckle I never knew I had.)

Here’s the trailer – it’s goosebumpytastic..


Go and get a ticket please.

It’s on until the 22nd September, so you’d best get a wriggle on.
 

West Side Story

Sadler’s Wells
Rosebury Avenue
London, EC1R