THIS NIGHT WAS NOT JUST ANY NIGHT!

Months of planning, rehearsing, line-learning and sheer hard work paid off, as sell out audiences were treated to a spectacular evening of song, dance and drama that pulled at every emotional string that was available for tugging.

Bernstein and Sondheim's musical picks up on all the themes of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' and transfers them to 1950's  New York, where gangland feuds, simmering violence, soaring romance and heart-wrenching tragedy tell a truly touching story.

Alan Pickwick, an alumni student, who lent his technical support and expertise to the production, described 'West Side Story' as the "hardest of all musicals" for amateur troupers to stage.  But these young actors, dancers and singers made it look easy.  Abi and Theo were perfectly cast in the leading roles of Maria and Tony, both performing their demanding parts with conviction and with impressively strong singing voices.  One audience member enthused: "I could feel every nuance of emotion that Abi conveyed."  Emilia, Enya and Charlotte flawlessly danced their way through some intricately choreographed routines, with a spellbinding mix of grace and energy.  And, among many highlights, Sophie's gorgeous rendition of the beautiful ballad 'Somewhere' probably topped the list.  But, of course, this was a team effort, and every cast member can be justifiably proud of their contribution to a fabulous production.

So, congratulations to all, not least to directors Mrs Glen and Ms Langham, but also to all those in the background, stagehands, sound and lighting crew, etc.  And a big thank you to the PTA too for laying on interval refreshments.