The sell-out show, which followed the overwhelming success of last year’s production of Les Misérables, was the first four-night run for a Shebbear production, with a real buzz from cast, crew and audience, who each knew they were in for a treat.
With a cast of over 70 children ranging from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, as well a student crew taking on the technical roles of light and sound management, this year’s production was colourful, energetic and fast moving, and the amazing performances by the lead roles totally captivated the audience.
“This year it just had to be West Side Story!” said head of creative and performing arts, Rebecca Sadler-Smith. “The talents and skills of this cohort suited this production down to the ground and we wanted to do something that contrasted with Les Mis last year. The quality of singers in the cast is phenomenal and the fact that over 70 pupils wanted to be a part of the production just shows how much we love the performing arts at Shebbear.
“On stage, it was just so clear how much everyone was enjoying themselves and what I love about Shebbear productions is the amazing team spirit that our students have, with the older, more experienced ones looking out and helping the younger ones, it’s so special and something you really only see in a smaller school. We’ve all got the post-show blues but are looking forward to our next production already!”
West Side Story also introduced a thrilling new element - dance - making it one of the college's most ambitious productions yet with some brilliantly choreographed numbers. The cast embraced the challenge with passion and dedication, delivering some great routines, from the vibrant, high-energy “America” number to the rhythmic beats of “Cool.”
Emily Smart, a Year 11 student from Bude, played the role of Maria, capturing the audience’s heart with her emotive performance.
“This is my first lead role in a Shebbear production.” she said. “I decided to aim high and audition for Maria, and when I got the part I was really excited. My biggest challenge has been hitting the high notes – I'm usually an alto so it’s taken a bit of practice!”
Maria’s love interest and former leader of the American ‘Jets’ gang, Tony, was played by Lower Sixth student Albert Odlin. Albert starred as Marius in Les Misérables last year but found the two shows completely different to work on.
“Les Mis was all performed in song, which in a way was easier, as you remember the lines with the tune – but with West Side I’ve had to go back to learning spoken lines, and I’ve also had to learn a bit of dance which has been a first for me! The storyline in general and the ending in particular is actually really sad and addresses some quite deep issues so we worked hard to get these scenes right and really engage with the audience.”