ONE of the all-time musical greats - West Side Story - takes to the stage at the Civic Theatre this week.

Darlington Operatic Society is putting on the musical for the first time in its long history and has worked wonders to find 32 young performers to play the famous street gangs of the Jets and the Sharks.

The Leonard Bernstein musical takes the romantic story of Romeo and Juliet and transports it to Fifties New York.

The warring Jets and Sharks violently defend their territory unaware that two of their members have fallen in love, with tragic consequences.

The key roles of lovers Maria and Tony are being sung by Middlesbrough pair Samantha Simpson and Glynn Bingham.

Darlington College of Technology performing arts lecturer Kevin Rowntree is not only performing as main character Bernardo but has also choreographed all the fight scenes.

The show runs until Saturday of next week. Tickets are £7 to £10.50 with some discounts available. They are available from ticket secretary John Lloyd on (01325) 467017 or the Civic box office (01325) 486555.