ONE of the best-loved musicals of all time, West Side Story, is set to be a smash hit in Stourport this summer.

Well-known Wyre Forest performers Claire Worboys and Rich Walker take the leading roles of lovers Maria and Tony.

The show, at The Civic, Stourport, features a 12-piece orchestra, with professional musical direction from David Howles.

It is being staged by production company Limelight, with direction and choreography by Jane Bennett.

The company is best known for the pantomimes it staged annually at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, until 2015 and many regular favourites will be spotted treading the boards in West Side Story, including Scott Denton as Sgt Krupke and Sam Wall as gang leader Riff.

West Midlands Light Orchestra’s resident vocalist Claire Worboys, who sings internationally and is also a professional actress, said she was “delighted” to join the crew as leading lady.

Acting school-trained Rich Walker is also well known for pantomime, being a regular in Stourport’s Monday Night group productions, as well as lead vocalist in the rock band Identity Crisis.

Musical director David Howles, a skilled drummer and percussionist who has played all over the world and runs the Bostin’ Pops Orchestra, described the show as “the best musical ever written”.

The story is a modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet, set in upper west-side New York City, making it a poignant choice as the nation marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death this year.

With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics from the pen of Stephen Sondheim, it is packed with show-stopping classics, including, Maria, Tonight, and Somewhere.

Miss Bennett said: “It is a hand-picked cast of fabulous semi-professional performers taking the leading roles.

“Such a terrific score needs first class musicians and we have them playing under the baton of the very experienced David Howles.”

Older dancers from her award-winning dance studio, Splinters, make up the rival gangs of the Sharks and the Jets.

Limelight chairman Marsha White said: “This is the first musical we have staged since Back to the 80s several years ago.

“Panto took over, but with West Side Story we are returning to our musical theatre roots with what promises to be show to raise the roof.”

The production runs from Wednesday July 13 until Saturday July 16 nightly at 7.30pm plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets, priced £12, are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/limelight.