Theatre Royal Wakefield Archives

A Tour de Force of a production in every perceived meaning of the phrase. A long-time favourite of many, West Side Story which is based on the concept of Jerome Robbins – as a modern day telling of Romeo and Juliet - is synonymous with Robbins famous choreographic style. Collaborating with Arthur Laurents as writer and the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein with Stephen Sondheim as lyricist; West Side Story was always going to be a hit. From its film versions in 1961 and 2021 to its innumerable stage productions the musical has engaged people for the last 65 years and continues to do so in Wakefield this week! Set in the 1950’s, the musical resets Romeo and Juliet onto the New York streets and the world of rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Maria, sister of the Sharks gang leade...

Looking forward to an evening of Comedy- Drama, one of Britain’s greatest modern plays whilst initially appearing superficial is anything but, with its dark and subversive message underpinning the blatant humour. Jim Cartwright’s Golden Globe winning 1998 film of Little Voice (written to showcase the vocal talents of Jane Horrocks) was originally proceeded by the 1992 Olivier award winning stage release. This is the story of trying to find your own voice in a world of desperate noise. Sara Perk’s imposing set is impressive, replicating a two-storey dilapidated terrace house, where we see both upstairs and down concurrently (it took 12 hours to erect the stage manager told me, a tall order on a touring production). The 80’s touches of furniture and décor and are just right, and the conce...

Tag: Theatre Royal Wakefield

West Side Story – Theatre Royal Wakefield

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice –Theatre Royal Wakefield