West Side Story - Bristol Hippodrome Following the first groundbreaking performance of West Side Story in 1957 musical theatre was changed forever. The integration of the different elements, its story of prejudice and violence and a musical score making increased , semi-operatic demands of its singers and players were all employed organically to produce a classic. No mere tuneful escapism here.

This was a production that did justice to all these elements with a minimalist approach evident in all aspects. Sets were constructed of scaffolding with projected images of New York. The rival gangs were clearly delineated with the Sharks in vibrant colours set against the Jets’ beige and orange. The use of dance ,used to reinforce the action ( rather than as a semi-optional add on) with its striking use of ballet, was energetic and strong and included a stylized dancehall scene ( very true to the original) and a wonderfully surreal ‘Somewhere’ in Act 2.

The comic element was memorably led by Kreupke (Sion Tudor Owen) and Anita (Djalenga Scott) who was outstanding throughout with a splendidly sassy 'America' and heartbreaking in ‘A boy like that’. Javier Cid was a menacing Bernardo and Katie Hall portrayed the innocence of Maria –both she and Tony (Louis Maskell ) delivered high quality vocal performances.

The realism that is central to this latterday version of Romeo and Juliet, and which was so shocking to musical audiences fifty years ago, was apparent throughout, nowhere moreso than in the disturbing rape scene. The conclusion was as shockingly moving as ever.