When you're a Jet you're a Jet all the way from your first cigarette to your last dying day. And I am that kind of fan of West Side Story.

So it was with some trepidation I went to the opening night of Brighton Theatre Group's production of this classic.

But what a cracker of an evening. This is a performance which contains all the exciting, foot-stomping, goose-bumping emotion I remember.

I thrilled to the sheer energy and talent of the cast, backed up by a more-than-solid orchestra and a marvellous backstage crew. And this was acknowledged on the first night by rapturous applause from a packed house.

This production stays faithful to the film so I could sit back happy in the knowledge none of my favourite bits would be left out.

And what great song and dance numbers there are. The Jets do a slick and funny job of deriding Officer Krupke and the Puerto Rican girls stomp and shake their skirts triumphantly through a colourful version of America.

The tale is, of course, a modern take on Shakespeare's classic Romeo And Juliet love story, set in the America of the Fifties.

Rebekah Clifford makes the role of star-crossed Maria her own with an enchanting voice and heartfelt responses to the drama.

James Harrington starts as a somewhat nervous Tony but he settles into the role with gusto. His voice is certainly a match for Rebekah's and their duets, particularly Somewhere, are hauntingly poignant.

Jamie Collins as Riff is both tough and cool in the right proportions and his stage presence carries a difficult role with ease.

Leader of The Sharks, Nathan Charman, is elegantly menacing and totally convincing and his girlfriend Anita, Jodie Harrop, is splendid as the sassy immigrant who struts her high-heeled stuff.

Any complaints are mere carping. But, as much as I like the backdrops, I feel they cramp the company a little too uncomfortably. There are also too many scene changes, which hold up the action unnecessarily.

And what action there is. The rumble is choreographed with skill and the dance at the gym is handled cleverly and with style.

Talking of style, I must admit I had my "wooshy" skirt on and after this exciting performance I could not wait to get outside the theatre and dance and sing my way happily to the car park.

Showing until Saturday, October 1, call 08700 606650.