IN defiance of the laws of arithmetic, a theatre production is often less than the sum of its parts and sometimes more.
The current production of West Side Story in Mountjoy Prison - it runs until Thursday - is triumphantly more, and the plus factor is the astonishing versatility and talents of the many prisoners who take part, having had just three weeks of rehearsal. To say that is in no way to patronise them.
Led by professionals from the Pimlico Opera company from England, they play the two gangs of Jets and Sharks, their girls and sundry small roles with energy and flair.
What their communal dancing may lack in precision - not a lot - it makes up for in rhythm and athleticism. Their choral singing is excellent, clear and strong, and their sense of comedy a delight.
From Pimlico, the lead roles are acted convincingly and melodiously sung. Stephen Chauncey's Tony and Naomi Itami's Maria are the star crossed lovers par excellence, Andrew Rivero's Bernardo is the leader of the Sharks and Marcia Bellamy his girl Anita, and Meurig Davis is the ill fated Riff whose death in a gang fight triggers off the final tragedies.
These and the other professionals, including director Stephen Langridge, clearly inspired their prison colleagues. All the great songs get their due; Tonight, America, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere. The famous dance numbers pulsate with vitality, and the comic number Gee Officer Krupke is an undiluted triumph for the Jets The chorus ladies, too, shave their share of the song and dance spotlight, and use it to splendid effect. A 12 piece band conducted with brio by Wosfi Kani (acknowledged as the guiding spirit of the entire project) provides immaculate support throughout.
Messrs Bernstein and Sondheim would not, one may safely comment, have been displeased at this revival of their classic musical. It is clear that it has been a valuable experience for the prisoners; they say so themselves in brief but eloquent individual programme notes. In return they have contributed dynamically to a most enjoyable entertainment in which they have handsomely beaten the odds. This is a live one.