West Side Story: A blog by a Chorus member.

So SJ Theatre Productions has just finished it's first show 'West Side Story' and to put it bluntly it was a massive success. The show did amazing numbers, sold lots of tickets and has had an extremely positive reaction. (You can find the Daily Echo's Curtain call review here). So what else is there to say? Caution: if you don't actually know the plot to West Side Story, this blog contains some spoilers here and there.

Da da da da da da da da da da MAMBO.... Errr I think that's it.

Well, to those who know me personally. I don't give the impression that I'm the musical theatre type and to be honest before this show I really wasn't. I've got no problem with Musicals and people who enjoy being part of them, but it's never really been my 'thing'. I don't have experience dancing and I don't have experience singing, those are the two keys to musicals for me and as far as I'm concerned I had neither of them... However, I'm always game for a challenge, and when I saw that SJ Theatre were looking for some more male cast members after it's original auditions it seemed silly to give this opportunity a miss.

Next thing I know, I'm trying to slot myself into dance routines that have already been devised and it really isn't what I'd expected. I was completely outside of my usual acting comfort zone and I was already self conscious from the very first rehearsal I had for West side that I was going to look like an absolute tit. Singing on the other hand, wasn't too bad! This is a much more likely scenario though, seeing as in the one song I was a part of my voice was accompanied by about 15 others. Needless to say it didn't sound terrible, so I was happy!

Coohole Cottage. Representing.

My happiness with myself in general seemed to grow with each passing rehearsal from there on. Dance numbers still maintained a feeling of utter horror and fear but also became pretty damn fun as well. I was able to get the grips with the mambo thanks to help from the rest of the Sharks and I was finally able to tackle Dance at the Gym with help from the amazing choreographers. I absolutely loved the prologue and I am extremely thankful that I was added to it. I was very lucky to be following Marcus and Christian throughout, thankfully following these guys made learning the dance section ridiculously easy to pick up.


Speaking of Christian.. He's lovely isn't he! (My sister seems to think so at least) I've done so much acting with my other house mates Sam and Aidan but never with Christian, so it was nice to finally get a chance to rectify this. Being his back-up through Act 1 was a fun experience from the beginning to end. I would have prevented you from getting stabbed if it wasn't in the script buddy...

From what I saw, the show was fantastic from top to bottom (even Becky Radcliffe's disgusting dress didn't bring the show down in quality). 'Officer Krupke' had... 'Good Energy', Maria and Tony made you go "awwww" a lot, Anita had you believing everything she said and the rumble... Hurt.

My nipples were desperate to overshadow the death of Tony. Chino questions whether that's a shadow or a stain on his shirt.

I wasn't actually able to see Performing Arts Winchesters production of Hair, but I won't hesitate in admitting I was on the verge of insanity after hearing the songs so many times outside of the theatre. But now that West Side Story is over I find myself guilty of the same crime. Humming the same songs over and over again, mentioning West Side Story far too much and all in all having blues that we won't be performing it any more.

West side story was one of my smallest roles in a piece since moving to Winchester, but it was easily the best cast and crew I've worked with. Everyone who was a part of it helped make it one hell of an amazing experience. I hope I've kissed enough ass now.

Thanks for reading.

Mark (According to the programme my character was called Nibbles. That's funny.)