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

Shooting Cast Headshots: A Tale of Tiny Thespians, Reluctant Flashguns, and Creative Survival

I have been thoroughly, unapologetically spoiled of late. Thanks to my recent residency at Trident Studio in Plymouth, I have grown accustomed to an embarrassment of riches in the lighting department. There is enough high end equipment packed within those walls to give the Blackpool Illuminations a serious run for their money. It is a photographer's paradise.

So, when the wonderful Laura casually asked if I could step out of my illuminated sanctuary to shoot location headshots for the cast of her upcoming theatre productions, I should have known better.

The Art of the Creative Hustle (and Falling for It Every Time)

Laura possesses a spectacular, almost supernatural ability to describe what can only be called a whirlwind of tiny, energetic thespians as "a total breeze." She is, without question, a phenomenal acting coach. I know this because her performance works on me every single time.

Armed with nothing but my own modest personal flashguns, I arrived on set.

To achieve that crisp, pure white background beloved by casting directors, I had recently invested in the largest softbox humanly imaginable. Behind our pint sized performers, it looked magnificent. However, filling a structure the size of a minor planet with light meant my poor little strobes had to work harder than they ever had in their lives.

Professional Actor Headshot taken against a white background using Studio lighting.

When Gear Rebels: Finding Creativity in the Misfires

Over 600 images later, my flashguns were quite literally feeling the heat. When you demand that level of heavy workload from portable gear, mutiny is inevitable. Every so often, there would be a distinct misfire, or, more accurately, a flat out refusal by the equipment to continue working under such a tyrannical boss.

Now, a sensible person might have panicked. But if my time in photography has taught me anything, it's that you must never miss an opportunity to call a happy accident "creative genius."

Professional Actor Headshot taken against a black background using Studio lighting.

Using the unexpected drop in light, I leaned into the shadows to create a dramatic, artistic black and white headshot.

Over to You: High Key White or Classic Monochrome?

Monochrome isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, of course. It’s a bit old school, a bit moody, but against all odds, I rather liked the results.

What say you? Do you prefer the crisp, modern look of a classic theatre headshot, or does the accidental drama of the black and white version steal the show?

Are you looking for professional headshots in Plymouth or Devon? Whether you need corporate portraits or cast headshots for drama schools, let’s chat about how we can create something memorable (and hopefully keep my flashguns from melting).