FINISHING touches are being made to West Side Story before the curtain rises on the classic romantic tragedy in Stourport next week.

The iconic Leonard Bernstein score and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics promise to not leave a dry eye in the house, when it appears at the Civic Centre, from Wednesday (July 13).

The production, which stars West Midlands Light Orchestra's resident vocalist, actress Claire Worboys and actor and singer Rich Walker, as Maria and Tony respectively, will feature a 12-piece orchestra.

The production is being staged by company Limelight, with direction and choreography by Jane Bennett and musical direction by David Howles.

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

The show is packed with show-stopping classics, including 'Maria', 'Tonight' and 'Somewhere'.

Miss Bennett said: "We have produced a number of sell-out musicals in the past and over the last several years picked up a large following for our pantomimes at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre.

"We are now returning to the musical genre - and an all-time favourite, which we hope the audience will love as much as we do."

The production will run at the Civic Centre nightly from Wednesday (July 13), to Saturday, July 16, at 7.30pm. There will also be a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets, which cost £12, are available from ticketsource.co.uk/limelight.