West Side Story revival reveals dates, creative team and poster

The National Theatre has announced dates, creative team and unveiled a first-look poster for its eagerly anticipated production of West Side Story, running next autumn.

The venerated 1957 musical (which will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year) follows two young lovers, Tony and Maria, against the backdrop of warring gangs in New York. Penned by Arthur Laurents (Gypsy), Leonard Bernstein (On the Town) and Stephen Sondheim (Follies), numbers in the show include “I Feel Pretty”, “Cool”, “Tonight”, “Maria” and “America.” It was first turned into a film in 1961, with a second film adaptation following in 2021.

The show will be directed next year by Miranda Cromwell and Marianne Elliott, and marks a London return for the much-loved musical). Jerome Robbins’original choreography will be reproduced and adapted by Julio Monge, artistic collaborator and consultant on Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film adaptation, in the new production. 

The production will have a hearty spell in the National’s Olivier space, running from 5 November 2027 to 12 February 2028, with a press night set for 25 November. A brand new poster was unveiled today by the venue.

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Tickets go on general sale next Thursday, 12 November, at midday. Ten thousand tickets across the run will be reserved for under-25s, priced from £10 to £30.

Joining Elliott, Cromwell and Monge in the creative team will be set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Nicky Gillibrand, music director Nicholas Skilbeck, fight director Sam Lyon–Behan, intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, with casting by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor and Naomi Downham.  Associates include associate director Mumba Dodwell, associate choreographer Luca Dinardo and associate music director Cat Beveridge.

The venue’s director and co-chief executive Indhu Rubasingham described the staging as a “real honour” adding “It’s one of the most iconic musicals of all time and to have Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell at the helm of this large-scale theatrical feat and, using Jerome Robbins’ original choreography, is thrilling. We can’t wait to welcome audiences into the National Theatre next winter to enjoy this timeless spectacle of dance, music and drama and I’m especially delighted that we are able to offer 10,000 tickets for under-25s priced from £10 to £30, across the run, to ensure that younger audiences get the opportunity to witness this legendary show.” 

Further creative team and casting are to be announced.