When audiences go to see Stampede Theatre Company’s production of West Side Story next week they may get more than they bargained for.

The theatre company, known for their exciting and innovative productions, have extended the centre of the stage at Yeadon Town Hall by 14 feet, bringing the action closer to the audience and giving the cast a massive stage to work on.

“I think that we have created one of the biggest stages ever seen at the Town Hall,” said director Royston Bayfield. “It’s a great space for us to work with and it really suits this show as there is so much going on in it. I believe that West Side Story is the perfect musical, extremely well balanced and it’s amazing to be able to direct it on this stage.”

Despite appearances of calm and order during the performances of the show, there will have been many hours of preparation put in by a dedicated team of both cast and crew, who build and paint the set over a period of two weeks before the show goes on. On top of this work, Royston works closely with lighting director Paul Dennison, making sure that all the lights, which have become a trademark of the pair’s shows together, are precisely set and plotted.

“I love trying to push the boundaries of theatre using as many innovative lighting effects as possible; West Side Story is no exception,” said Royston. Although West Side Story is considered a modern musical, it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007 having opened in New York in 1957, later moving to the West End.

The show quickly became a classic and is probably the most well-known musical of all time.

Songs such as Maria, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, America and Tonight keep up its seemingly endless appeal.

Stampede’s production is sure to keep up that appeal!

West Side Story will be performed at Yeadon Town Hall from July 7 to 11 at 7.30pm each evening.

Tickets are sold out for the Saturday performance but there are still tickets available for the other performances with the best availability earlier in the week.

Don’t miss out on your chance to see this exciting show performed by one of the most forward-thinking companies in the area.

Call the box office on 0113 202 9524 or call in at Dance Attitude on Yeadon High Street.