The Sharks originally took on the Jets in 'West Side Story' back in 1991 and now The Maltings Youth Theatre and Dance Company are reigniting the rivalries for another take on the Bernstein Broadway classic.

Wendy Payn has been with The Maltings from the start and after being a production assistant for the 1991 show, she is loving being at the helm of 'West Side Story' 2010, which will open on Wednesday, March 3 and run until Saturday, March 6.

"I'm really enjoying directing the show," she said.

"It's a show that really appeals to youngsters and they were all itching to be a Jet or a Shark and get stuck into songs such as 'America' and 'Tonight' they were already familiar with.

"Even though back then it was the first performance by the Community Theatre, the 1991 production went down a storm and I remember at the time people saying they didn't think it would ever be topped."
S
o Wendy and her band of young thespians, who have wowed audiences in recent years with the likes of 'Oklahoma' and 'Sweeney Todd', have quite a tough act to follow. But with some of the borders' best young dance talent also in the ranks, it looks like the 2010 cast could definitely give the 1991 ensemble a run for their money.

Wendy continued: "There is a huge dance element to 'West Side Story' and every two years the Youth Theatre joins together with the Youth Dance Company, who are under the direction of Cheryl Stewart.

"Cheryl has come up with some fantastic choreography for the new show and the kids have really thrown themselves into it.

"There is a big overlap with a lot of the cast being members of both Youth Theatre and Dance, and even the boys, who didn't seem quite so keen on learning dance steps at the start, are really enjoying it.

"We've got a great male choreographer who's been helping them. He's been coming up from Dance City in Newcastle and has really brought the best out of them."

Although 'West Side Story' is based on Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet', Wendy said that some of the issues tackled in the former really helped the show resonate with her young cast.

"The show deals with things like gang warfare and knife crime, both of which are still very much a part of modern society.

"And I think this helped the kids to identify with some of the characters and their experiences. There are some really strong, emotional scenes in 'West Side Story' but they don't appear to have been overwhelmed at all."

With the majority of Berwick's youngsters having come across 'West Side Story' at some point, there was no shortage of takers for some of the production's principal roles, particularly those of Tony and Maria, one of theatre's most famous couples.

Playing the troubled twosome this time around are Oliver Payn, who was last seen fronting Mustafa and the Lord at the 'Rock for Haiti' benefit, and Marie Tucker, who had a part in the recent Emergency Services Panto and is well known to customers at Caffé Nero in Berwick.

Wendy said the two have formed a good partnership and all is looking well in the run up to opening night.

"There are a lot of kids who wanted to be a part of this show, we had no shortage of people coming for auditions but when it came to choosing our Tony and Maria there was a lot to consider.

"It's not just about the singing and dancing, we couldn't have a Maria who was a lot taller than Tony and vice versa.

"Oliver and Marie have been getting on fine so far and don't seem daunted by the big numbers at all. At the moment we're just trying to put the finishing touches to everything but as ever time has crept up on us.

"I never like to say I'm too confident, but I'm thoroughly enjoying being a part of it and we've got an amazing group of kids to work with."

Wendy has directed countless productions at The Maltings over the years but said she has enjoyed those with the Youth Theatre the most.

She added: "I love directing musicals and although I've worked with some great adults I have to say I prefer working with youngsters.

"Adults often have a lot of other responsibilities and commitments on top of the shows, whereas kids are so eager to learn and give their all.

"The Youth Theatre has built up a strong reputation and that it down to the fantastic children from both sides of the border who have been involved. Some of the current cast have been with me since the age of four and it makes me really proud to see them grow into such talented performers."

Tickets for 'West Side Story' are on sale now priced £7/£5 concessions, £20 (family).

Commenting on the production and The Maltings 20th anniversary, chief executive, Dr Miles Gregory, said: "A 20th birthday is significant in the life of any cultural organisation - and like any theatre today, we're proud just to still be here!

"We're also very excited about welcoming back 'West Side Story', which makes a fitting link to our inception in 1990.

"As we approach our birthday in April, we'll not only be recognising the impact The Maltings has had on Berwick over the last 20 years, but thinking about where we'll be as an organisation 20 years from now."