York Light Youth's new directing team lead rehearsals for West Side Story

After John Hall and Michael Thompson's productions of Honk! in May 2015 and Cats last November, a new creative team is putting together the latest show. Hilary Dyson and John Atkin make their York Light debuts as director and musical director respectively, working alongside Hayley Patrick-Copeland, who returns as choreographer.

Members of the adult York Light Opera Company are involved too, playing the adult roles, but the rest of the cast comprises talented young performers up to the age of eighteen.

Hilary Dyson is a member of York Light Opera Company, for whom she directed Godspell last year. She is also chairman of York Opera, with whom she performs and directs. She has co-directed Ruddigore, Iolanthe and The Pirates Of Penzance at York Theatre Royal, as well as directing operatic extracts, performed in the round in the York Guildhall.

John Atkin is well known in York: born and bred here, he is now a Freeman of the City. His first public performance came as a nine-year-old playing La Cucaracha on the recorder in the Assembly Rooms, and he first worked professionally in York Theatre Royal as an off-stage bass trombonist for York City Opera Group, which later became York Opera.

Next year, John will be taking up the baton as York Opera's musical director, while continuing in the same role for York Light Youth.

Their production of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's iconic 1957 musical will be staged at the JoRo on October 28 and 29 and from November 2 to 5.

Set in 1950s' New York City, West Side Story's reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet tells the tale of young lovers Tony and Maria, who find themselves on opposite sides in a turf war between rival gangs, the American "Jets" and Puerto Rican "Sharks". Can the young lovers overcome the tragic events that threaten to tear their fledgling love apart?

Edward Atkin, as Baby John, left, Jack Porter, as Bernardo, Finn East, as Riff, and Nathan Christy, as Action, in rehearsal for West Side Story. Picture: Steve Melvin

The show's vibrant mix of show-stopping tunes and intense dance numbers has presented a unique challenge for the young performers of York Light Youth. "But they have more than met this challenge," says Hilary. "They've worked incredibly hard to produce a spectacle with fast, tightly choreographed dance routines and highly emotional performances of famous musical numbers such as America, Maria and Tonight.

"As West Side Story tells a tale focusing primarily on young people growing up in a sprawling city unsure of their identity and disaffected by a system that has them trapped, it's a story that still resonates among audiences to this day. When it's performed by a youth cast, the show takes on a new emotional resonance, and the dramatic events of the story are amplified further."

Hilary and John are thoroughly enjoying working with York Light Youth. "I was thrilled to be asked to direct West Side Story," says Hilary. "It's one of my favourite musicals of all time. I think it's a masterpiece, the perfect combination of drama and music, and to be given the opportunity to work with a truly talented group of youngsters in bringing the drama and passion to life is a gift.

"It's been interesting working with them as they grow to understand the themes: the gang warfare, the intolerance of newcomers, and the devastating consequences which ensue. West Side Story is no ‘easy’ musical; it challenges all involved as performers but it's important to ensure that the message comes over, as well as striving for high performance standards.

"I'm confident York Light Youth will bring performances to York that will have an impact on all who see them, and hopefully the experience will stay with the cast as they develop as performers."

York Light Youth presents West Side Story at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, on October 28 at 7.30pm, October 29, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and November 2 to 5, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Box office: 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk