Audiences at the Marlowe Theatre can enjoy the rumble of New York urban gang rivalry in West Side Story.

The musical, based around Shakespeare’s classic love-tragedy Romeo & Juliet, has been exciting crowds as it has toured the country.

There is fiery Latin dancing combined with raucous rock n roll era jives in the action packed show, which depicts youth angst and anger between rival gangs the Jets and Sharks in the cultural melting pot of the Big Apple.

Stand-out performances come from Katie Hall and Louis Maskell who play the loved-up couple Maria and Tony, who are caught up on the wrong sides of the cultural divide.

The Puerto Rican gang Sharks is led by Javier Cid as Bernardo while he comes up against The Jets leader Riff, who is played by Jack Wilcox.

Both master the stage as leaders of their respective hoodlam groups, packing in powerful machismo into stunning dance routines.

Meanwhile Djalenga Scott dazzles in the role of Anita, bringing a vibrant mix of the humour, hope, passion, love and ultimately disaster into her performance.

Another noteworthy performance is from Scott Raynor as Snow Boy, who is straining at the leash and seething with anger and violence.

This production is based on the musical written and composed by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. The modern adaptation of the tragic love story is definitely not to be missed.

For more information or to book tickets you can visit www.marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787. To find out more about the tour please visit www.westsidestorytheshow.co.uk.