The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is staging the Bernstein musical West Side Story at the Sherman Cymru (Friday 8 – Saturday 16 February) with Director Paul Kerryson leading the all-student cast.
Paul will work with the student-group, for just four weeks, to stage the classic musical which tells the powerful story of two rival gangs and the love between Tony (the New York gang leader) and Maria (the sister of the rival Puerto Rican gang leader).
Tony is played by Aneurin Barnard and Maria by Amy Morgan, who are also a real-life item. They have been a couple since the age of 16, when they met at the Bridgend Youth Theatre, subsequently gaining places at the Royal Welsh College.
Amy and Aneurin last performed together at the Youth Theatre, under the guidance of College Fellow, and drama teacher, Roger Burnell who has taught some of Wales’ top talent.
“We were a bit freaked when we realised we were both coming to study here, and even more so when we were cast in lead roles as we have never performed together at the College. We don’t publicise the fact we are a couple, so I think for lots of people this has come as a bit of a surprise.”
Both Amy and Aneurin are third year BA Hons Acting students and will face the challenge of singing, dancing and acting in this demanding musical.
Aneurin said, “We are both drama students, but we have starred in musicals and at the Bridgend Youth Theatre and I suppose that is where we worked out if we could sing or dance.
“As a child I entered competitions, I am a fluent Welsh speaker, and was chosen twice to perform in a Song for Wales (Cân i Gymru) and I came second and third respectively.”
Amy said, “In West Side Story we have eight songs in total, and it will be a real test; some duets, a solo and a number of ensembles. What is great is that we also have music students as part of the cast and they can help us with any technical difficulties and give us their professional judgment. It also helps that Aneurin and I can practice some songs together; I don’t have to worry about getting it right first time.”
Despite a few sequential song changes, of the breathtaking Bernstein score, the performance will be true to the spirit of West Side Story.
It captures the energetic, intensity of the era with vintage costumes, designed by College students, which are raunchy, vibrant and exude glamour.
Aneurin said, “Lots of the issues that the play deals with are still relevant today, it’s 1950s speak and fashion, but the strength of this musical is that all the references are appropriate for a new generation.
“We can’t ignore the historic setting, I have been out and bought 7 DVDs set in the US in the 50s, but that is the detail, working with such an accomplished Director we move beyond that.”
As a result of contributions from generous supporters, and the Shirley Bassey Fund, the College was able to secure the talent of Artistic Director of the new Haymarket Theatre, Paul Kerryson who has directed a number high profile plays and musicals.
Paul said, “Working with these young people is no different to professionals. The test is about the quality of the lighting, set and stage design, a demand of considerable resources and expertise, but one that the College can fulfil with the quality of students in these disciplines.”
Paul was an actor before he embarked on a directing career in his thirties,
“My first Directing job was Chicago at a time when nobody else was doing the hit musical, it had run on Broadway but hadn’t caught on in the UK; in some ways Chicago was way ahead of its time.
“I have directed a number of plays, memorably Edward II with Eddie Izzard. Edward was an unusual comic tragic figure. I remember seeing Izzard perform and thinking he is much more than just a stand up comic and asked him if he would consider the role; we met for a chat and that was that, he was brilliant as Edward.”
For two young students, embarking on their career, leads in the College Musical could be as rewarding as for last years lead performer Kimberley Nixon.
Prior to graduating, Kimberley was signed by agent Ken McReddie Associates and snapped up by Universal studios, as well as being cast alongside Judi Dench and Maggie Smith in the BBC Drama Cranford Chronicles.
Aneurin is following in Kimberley’s foot steps and has already secured representation from Ken McReddie – watch this space.
West Side Story runs from Friday 8 February – Saturday 16 February (except Sunday and Monday) on the Main Stage at Sherman Cymru. Tickets are priced at £12; £10 – to book call the Box office on 029 2064 6900.
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