A Heatwave, a Heartbreak, and Plymouth’s Finest: Why West Side Story at the Quad Theatre Blew Me Away
Well, folks, it is that time of year again. The moment where I dutifully pack away my mud caked hiking boots and all the other outdoorsy paraphernalia usually reserved for my occasional, breathless jollies across the moors.
Why, you ask? Because July has arrived, which means I am now custom bound to spend my evenings perched in the front row of the Quad Theatre at Marjon University, eagerly anticipating an absolute extravaganza of singing and dancing.
The Great Plymouth Heatwave Tradition
For those unfamiliar with my annual theatrical excursions, a brief word of warning: by some bizarre trick of meteorology, every single show I attend is miraculously matched with a rather spectacular British heatwave. The immediate result of this is yours truly sitting in the audience, gently radiating heat and strongly resembling an over ripe tomato.
Honestly, if the local tourist board ever needs to drum up some PR for our spectacular corner of Devon, the solution is simple: just invite the world to Plymouth whenever Laura of LS Drama Workshops put on a show. Glorious weather is practically guaranteed.
West Side Story: West End Quality in Plymouth
Opening this year’s theatre season was West Side Story, and let me tell you straight out of the gate: this production was entirely worthy of the West End.
A Quick Tip for Theatre Lovers: If you haven’t booked a show at Marjon University yet, you are missing out on one of the best cultural gems in the South West.
The staging and lighting, masterfully handled by MB Productions, was worth the price of admission alone. We are talking grand, meticulous shop fronts that effortlessly opened up to reveal hidden interior rooms, not to mention an actual, fully functioning first floor balcony! It was a triumph of local set design.
West Side Story professional show photography by MJC-photography
An Emotional Rollercoaster (Junior Edition or Not)
Now, it’s worth noting that the show was billed as the Junior Edition, but you shouldn't let a title like that fool you into thinking you’re getting off lightly. What followed was a bruising, exhilarating emotional rollercoaster.
West Side Story professional show photography by MJC-photography
These incredibly talented young thespians carried the audience squarely on their shoulders, wringing out every possible emotion along the way:
Sparkling hope and youthful romance
High-stakes drama and tense choreography
A closing scene so devastatingly powerful it had most of the audience sobbing directly into their programmes.
It is a rare thing to see a youth production command that kind of raw power, but this cast absolutely nailed it.
Mark Your Diaries for Next Year
Consider this my official public service announcement: mark your calendars, plot the dates in your diaries for next summer, and get your tickets early.
Yes, if history is any indication, you will almost certainly be incredibly hot. But I promise you, you will be utterly thrilled that you saw the show.
West Side Story professional show photography by MJC-photography