West Side Story

Babirra’s West Side Story blew me away. Everything about this powerful work was first class.

The initial set looked like a housing commission block of flats with the orchestra in the ground level car park. The orchestra under Ben Hudson was alternatively full and rich, diminishing to an ethereal whisper when required. The treacherous music was no problem.

The block of flats disappeared into the flies and was replaced by the ceiling of the drugstore. Two sets of stairs on wheels were constantly on the move, moved efficiently by cast members and rapidly changing from one scene to another. The lighting was magic.

I have seen Daniel Mottau’s work before, but never seen him stretched this far. He sang beautifully, moved well and met every emotional demand as Tony. The sexual tension between him and his Maria, Georgia Wilkinson, was palpable.

Georgia has a beautiful voice and easily matched Daniel. Her timing at the end, following Tony’s death, was amazing in one so young. She had the courage to hold silences until the tension reached breaking point.

Zuleika Khan was a strong Anita, but it would be carping to single others out, as they were all so good. It was great to see so many young men dancing on stage. The dancing wasn’t at a professional level, but tight and strong and with no noticeable weak links.

This is a show not to be missed!

Graham Ford

Images: Top - West Side Story set. Middle - the Jets - back row - Anthony Austen Wishart (Diesel), Greg Campbell (Big Deal), Jason Mill (Action), front row - Henry Brett (A-Rab), Ashley Tynan (Anybodys), Leigh Barker (Baby John). Lower - Georgia Wilkinson (Maria) and Daniel Mottau (Tony).

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