FOLLOWING hot on the heels of last year's sell out production of Grease - Bridport Musical Theatre Company will present West Side Story next week.

The young company will bring their most challenging production so far to the stage at the Electric Palace.

West Side Story shot to fame with groundbreaking choreography from Jerome Robbins, based on the book by Arthur Laurents - the score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim will come to life in Bridport.

The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments.

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to 1950s New York city, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. The struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Famous songs include Tonight, Maria, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere and America.

Director Dave Swaffield said: "To accommodate the complexity of the set and large cast, this year’s production will be staged at the Electric Palace."

West Side Story will run from Wednesday, August 26 until Saturday, August 29 with evening performances at 7.30 pm and a matinee performance on the Saturday at 2pm.

For more information, please call Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901.