In July 2009, the girls of CFGS alongside the Performing Arts department created Eastside Story. The show took its inspiration from the hit musicals Westside Story and Romeo and Juliet.

But it was no love story. This was a story about friendship, loyalty and what happens when you want to break with tradition or have higher or different expectations for yourself. The girl gangs were from E3 and E2, mirroring what is happening with gang violence on the streets today.

In rehearsals the girls developed their own script with the Head of Drama Ms Smith and fabulous relevant music and songs were composed and produced by Mr Macintosh. The cast worked with the Dance department to produce some spectacular dance routines, bringing a physical interpretation of girl gang violence to the stage.

Due to the input the students had in the process, the girls felt they had ownership over the production. They showed great dedication attending rehearsals after school and on weekends. It was this dedication that made the show the success it was. Everyone who saw it was buzzing afterward.

The Head Teacher Ms Hudson stated: "The best CFGS show yet!"

One cast member said: "It's the best thing I've done! I want to do it again!"

It is with the ethos of the show in mind, that we plan to follow our dreams and perform Eastside Story in a local theatre in 2010. So watch this space! In the mean time, CDs of the music from the show and DVD will be on sale soon!