West Side Story is regarded by many theatre-lovers as their favourite musical of all time.

Its tragic love story, based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, has enthralled generations.

Now a 50th anniversary celebration sell-out revival is on its way.

When Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents originally conceived the idea of writing a musical version Romeo and Juliet they planned to call it East Side Story and centre it on a star-crossed romance between Jewish boy and an Italian Catholic girl which had been in the news at the time.

But other commitments forced them to shelve the project for six years and, by the time they returned to it, they decided that this idea had lost its social relevance. Instead, they made their lovers a native-born Polish boy (Tony) and a Puerto Rican girl (Maria) newly arrived in America.

And their backdrop was the clashing street gangs on the city's West side. At this point, Bernstein decided against writing his own lyrics and offered the job to the virtually unknown Stephen Sondheim.

Bernstein produced a magical score and the lyrics Sondheim came up with - Maria, Somewhere, Tonight, America and I Feel Pretty among them - remain among the best-loved show songs ever.

West Side Story opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on September 26, 1957 and ran for 732 performances before going on tour. An iconic film version followed in 1961, starring Richard Beymer, Natalie Wood, George Chakiris and Rita Moreno. It won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

This stage revival has sold out in Beijing, Toyko and Paris and is currently at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre. It comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre on October 14 and so confident are the management of its popularity that they have booked it for three weeks. Tickets are already selling at 200 a day so it looks like being one of the hottest shows the venue has ever hosted.

An eager audience caught a sneak preview of the show last week and gave enthusiastic ovations to the stars, who also answered questions about the production.

Scott Sussman as Tony has the ability to make your spine tingle when he sings: his rich voice reached the rafters of theatre one moment and was gently caressing the next as he sung his ode to love, Maria.

And the Puerto Rican Sharks girls showed us the electrifying choreography we can expect for America.

West Side Story may be half a century old but, as south London reels from the on-going tragedy of gang murders, its social relevance is as crucial as ever.

West Side Story is at the New Wimbledon Theatre from October 14 to November 1. Prices range from £18.50 to £40.50 with special discounts for groups of 10+ and schools. Box office: 0870 060 6646.

Diana Eccleston