Nice Swan Theatre Company Presents WEST SIDE STORY

Fresh from the successful run of Shakespeare's ‘As You Like It' at the Peoples' Theatre, Nice Swan Theatre Company were not resting on their laurels the following day but launching their most ambitious project to date; ‘West Side Story'. Over sixty young talents from across the area auditioned and a cast of 24 were selected. They met rather ironically in conjunction with As You Like It in Jesmond to mingle with the management and start a process that will have them working tirelessly for the next 6 months.

The theatre company has quickly gained a reputation for edgy, professional performances that have audiences laughing one minute and crying the next. Their vision for ‘West Side Story' is no
different. The classic musical based upon the ideas of William Shakespeare's ‘Romeo and Juliet' tells the story of the forbidden love between two rival gang members ‘Tony' and ‘Maria', a story that encompasses passion, comedy and tragedy. With well known numbers such as ‘I Feel Pretty', ‘Tonight' and ‘Somewhere', it has thrilled audiences for generations and with Nice Swan's inimitable style the hope is that it will continue to speak to original fans plus a new generation of theatre goers with a promising production this year.

It has been this ‘new generation' that has been at the forefront of Nice Swan Theatre Company's aim since its conception in 2008. Creators Ben Hunt (22) and Jamie Gray (21) envisioned a company that could offer a stepping stone between amateur and professional theatre to students in the region. A three pronged approach of productions, workshop classes and event participation has certainly made this possible and developed the group beyond all expectations in only a short period of time.

Their production of ‘Rent' in 2009, the North East premiere of ‘Spring Awakening' in 2010 and ‘As You Like It' in 2011 have been showered with praise from the critics but, more importantly to the team, have given opportunities to many youngsters aged 16-25 in the region. Spring Awakening was reviewed tohave ‘Standards of a production on London's West End' by Steve Burbridge, a critic from nationwide UK Theatre Network. The audition processes have allowed more than 150 youngsters to experience a taste of the demands of the acting profession and those that have gone on to star in the shows have been a part of an amateur group that really expects professional standards at every level. The technical aspects of the productions have also been implemented by local students, and from direction to sound and lighting design and operation, more than 20 students have been involved and now have impressive experience to add to their resume. The fact that productions carried out on a solely voluntary level shows just how committed every person involved has been.

In the past year the company has branched out even further using their success and enthusiasm tohone the talents of even younger students. They presently hold weekly workshop classes for 10-15 year olds taking them through every aspect of acting and musical theatre in order to challenge and push them. The fact that the younger students are learning from a team of passionate people not only builds their confidence but gives them positive role models that can inspire and convince them that there are opportunities for young people with dreams and determination in the North East.

Community has always been important to the company also and involvement in events such as the
Gateshead Arts Festival, Metro Centre Christmas Launch and Gateshead Summer Flower Festival
have given them the opportunity to give something back to a region that has supported them.
The growth of the company in just three years really proves the adage that ‘anything is possible' and dispels the myth that young people these days are apathetic and reticent to work hard.
Managing Director, Jamie Gray ‘I am very excited about the ideas that Artistic Director, Ben Hunt has for West Side Story, it is certainly going to be something special and I am proud to be producing the show during the Peoples Theatre Centenary year.'

Cast Member Jessica Brady ‘I was honored and delighted to be cast as ANITA in West Side Story. Ittruly is a dream come true not just because of the part, but because I get to work once again with some of the most amazingly talented people. It promises to be a spectacular show in September'.

‘West Side Story' will open at the Peoples' Theatre in September and is promised to be yet another unmissable experience. Tickets will be on sale from May 2011. For more details of the company, past productions, workshops and upcoming events see ` www.niceswan.com

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