TALENTED students spent the majority of their summer in intensive rehearsals after performing in a theatrical youth project.

Rachel Cottee, 15, and Leonie Hunt, 17, of Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham, performed in the musical West Side Story at The Palace Theatre in Southend as part of their youth project, after beating down competition from more than 120 other young people.

West Side Story sees a modern day Romeo and Juliet involved in New York street gangs. On the harsh streets of the upper west side, two gangs battle for control of the turf.

The situation becomes complicated when a gang members falls in love with a rival’s sister.

Auditions were held in July, with Rachel and Leonie learning a song and dance routine for the musical, and both starred in featured roles as members of the Jets Gang.

Rachel, of Maldon Road, Burnham, said: “I knew it would be hard work, but it was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to make new friends and to work with and learn from a superb team of professionals.”

Leonie, of Dragon Close, said “After intensive rehearsals I’m so pleased with the final results of all the hard work.

“I’m planning to go into Performing Arts as a career, so this was a great opportunity to gain an insight into working in this profession.”

West Side Story ran from Thursday August 10 to Sunday August 13 at The Southend Palace Theatre.

Visit www.

palacetheatresouthend.co.uk.