MORE than 250 youngsters from the area will be taken back to the streets of 1950s New York and performing one of the greatest love stories ever told.

The Wycombe Swan's Summer Youth Project chose the iconic West Side Story this year, which is based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

It follows the story of young lovers Tony and Maria as they struggle to cope with the prejudice of their two rival gangs- the Jets and the Sharks.

The show is packed with recognisable songs including I Feel Pretty, Maria, Tonight and one Hand One Heart.

And Ollie Sloan, 19, from Henley and Suzie Aries, 19, from Princes Risborough are taking on the daunting task as the fated couple- Tony and Maria.

Although they are glad it is a modern version of the original play.

Aries laughs: “I am glad it is not in Shakespeare's language.”

Sloan said: “You either get it or you don't. Every one knows the story of Romeo and Juliet.

“I can appreciate how great every one says he is.”

He has just finished playing Tony for another production so just needs to refresh the lines, although he has grown up surrounded by the musical.

He said: “My dad is a jazz pianist. I have listened to the songs and seen the film since I was six-years-old. It is probably one of my favourite musicals.”

It was made into a 1961 musical film of the same name which was directed by Robert Wise and won 10 Academy Awards out of 11 nominations.

Aries has to do a Puerto Rican accent, which she said has been OK on the whole, although certain words catch her out.

Sloan is a bit more prepared with his New York accent as his dad is half American. He said: “I am used to hearing the kind of words British people find hard to pronounce.”

And the issue of hair colour has come into it as blonde Aries, in theory should be brunette. She offered to dye her hair but they are going with wigs.

But how do the two youngsters feel about the love scenes. Aries laughs about the “awkward hand on face moment” but Sloan added it is nice to be acting opposite someone his own age as when he did it before he was opposite a 14-year-old.

Rehearsals start soon. Sloan said: “If you haven't seen it before. The story of Romeo and Juliet is probably one of the most famous, mixing that with amazing music, intense scenes and drama.”

Aries added: “If you fancy a good laugh and a good cry then this is the musical for you.”

West Side Story is at the Wycombe Swan from August 4-7. Tickets range between £11-£16.50. Call 01494512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.