2025 marks 20 years of The Alexandra’s annual youth theatre programme, Stage Experience, and this summer budding performers and theatre technicians from across the Midlands will take to the stage to present the iconic West Side Story.
For the first time in the history of the programme and to mark the anniversary year, The Alex hopes to bring a full orchestra to the stage – and is now seeking sponsors to help cover the additional costs associated with this.
Taking inspiration from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is one of the greatest love stories of all time, featuring an incredible score that includes Tonight, I Feel Pretty, Maria and America.
Stage Experience offers a platform for young people in and around Birmingham to showcase their skills and experience a busy rehearsal process in a professional theatre, putting on a full-scale production in just two weeks. Previous participants have gone on to achieve incredibly successful careers in the industry, securing roles in Wicked, Dreamgirls and much more.
Solihull-based business, WIN Logistics GroupLtd, is already on board to support this anniversary performance, providingfinancial support to individuals who may not otherwise be able to access the project. Nick Winder, Group Managing Director of WIN Logistics group said:
“We are thrilled to be working with The Alexandra as they mark 20 years of Stage Experience with a dazzling production of West Side Story this August. This project is a great opportunity for emerging talent to gain valuable industry experience and we are delighted to be sponsoring five participants for this year’s show.”
The Alexandra is now seeking additional sponsors to bring their vision of having a full orchestra to life. Co-producer of Stage Experience, Vicki Ellery-Slevin said:
“To mark this special year of Stage Experience we would love to fulfil our ambition of having a full orchestra play the glorious West Side Story score. If we successfully secure sponsorship, this would be the first time in the history of our much-loved project that we could work with a full complement of musicians and is an exciting prospect for all of our participants.”
If you would like to put your business in the spotlight this summer and join The Alexandra in celebrating a milestone year of this incredible youth project, contact sarahmccarthy@atgentertainment.com for more information.
LISTINGS INFO
The Alexandra, Birmingham
Rehearsal dates: Fri 1 – Sat 16 Aug
Performance dates: Thu 14 – Sat 16 Aug
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WEST SIDE STORY
Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is not only one of the greatest love stories of all time, but it also features a stirring score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim including Tonight, I Feel Pretty, Maria and America.
Tony and Maria are two star crossed lovers, caught between warring street gangs. Will their love conquer the bitter Sharks and Jets rivalry or will it all end in tragedy?
With dazzling dance, mesmerising music and a sizzling storyline, get ready to see the stars of the future shine on stage.
Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins. Book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Entire original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince, by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI
THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham’s beloved theatre, The Alexandra, was built in 1901 by William Coutts and throughout its vast history, has become home to first class entertainment. In 2018, the venue underwent an extensive refurbishment and reverted to its original name, The Alexandra. The theatre is a valuable contributor to culture within Birmingham and the West Midlands, presenting first-rate musicals, drama, comedy and more. The Alexandra is part of ATG Entertainment, a leader in Live Theatre, Musicals, Tours, Plays, Stand Up Comedy, Pantos, Live Music & more.