It may be half a century since the Sharks and the Jets first faced each other across a Broadway stage but the message from the musical is no less relevant today.

And members of Phoenix Performing Arts plan to make sure audiences are left in no doubt about the passion and tragedy in West Side Story when they bring it to the Marlowe Theatre.

The group are putting the finishing touches to their production and principal Sophie Guariglia said everyone was looking forward to opening night.

“Sometimes we can feel a bit squashed in smaller theatres but it’s a lot more comfortable at the Marlowe and there is some really great travel space which means we can create something completely new,” she said.

“The orchestra sounds great and it should be a fantastic show.”

Stuart McBride and Georgina Roberton take the roles of the star-crossed lovers, supported by a cast of 70 from across the district.

Performances are from Wednesday, August 6, until Saturday, August 9, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday. For ticket details visit www.marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.