Can anyone tell me why when the Sharks are told to leave by Lt Shrank following the opening prologue they whistle 'God Save the Queen'? I don't understand the significance.

In America, the tune is used for a patriotic song called 'My Country 'Tis of Thee'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Country,_%27Tis_of_Thee has info.

Thank you for that!

Just saw this in Wimbledon - dancing and singing fab - and of course the Bernstein score is sublime. But was disappointed that the actor playing Bernardo shouted all his lines with an anger that was ridiculous! Couldn't understand a word from him! And Riff was straining at the neck and shoulders presumably to put over 'hoodlumitis' daft! For all that the show itself is so musically great that I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway!!!

I agree with you. I thoroughly enjoyed the production but felt that with some better casting it could have been even better. Didn't rate Sofia Escabar as Maria either.

Agree with both of the previous posts. 'Maria' spoke in a 'laboured' slow way and even Tony, although singing like an angel, seemed ill at ease? Sounds odd to say that I still thoroughly enjoyed production - makes you realise what an astounding piece it is!!!

What did you think of the orchestra please?

excellent!!

Very good. Nice to see (and hear) a good set of strings in the pit!

Can someone tell me who the leads were at the matinee last Saturday (1st). The theatre (New Wimbledon) had no programmes and the audience talked all the way through the cast annoucement at the start of the show, so loudly that I couldn't get a single name!

Thanks in advance.