From the initial stage of the show preparation, I was thrilled that I would be able to work with the members of my old team and the addition of Drama teacher and English teachers Ms Kimberley Edell, Ms Kayleigh Norman and Ms Mary Stevens, and the teachers in my department Ms Emma Chen and Ms Hyunhi Kim. It was the combination of the new and the old that made the sparkle. It was teamwork right from the start; Ms Emma co-produced and she did extremely well as a first-time co-producer, Ms Hyunhi Kim always helped with the singing. The English Department took care of drama and choreography with Ms Kim Edell directing, Ms Kayleigh Norman and Ms Mary Stevens assisting. Ms Sophia Shen, was always willing to go to great lengths to perfect every move the dancers and the cast made. Mr Eamonn Williams, our props master general, designed the set and managed the backstage. Mr Bingyan was on lighting and sound. Ms Ksenija Markovic added modern touches to the costumes.

I also received so much help from the pupils. With only seven weeks to pull this project together, the pupils in the cast, orchestra and crew all contributed their best despite the obstacles that came our way; the postponement from 2022 to this year due to Covid led to reauditions. When we finally got to work on it, the preparation time was short and we never had all of the cast, dancers or orchestra in any of the rehearsals. There would always be someone missing due to illness or a clash with something else at school. Nevertheless, the pupils put on a show that demonstrated how far they had stretched themselves. For the teachers involved, it was truly amazing to see how the pupils worked together to achieve a common goal from the very first audition to the last performance.

Pupils who participated all took away something that will remain with them. Emily, who played the role of Dorothy said the show was an enriching experience for her in all aspects, skills aside, it was far more she had gained.

She spoke positively of the social side of the production and how friendships had bonded because of their shared vision.  

Daned who played Tinman said the show allowed him to experience something quite different from the life of a Senior School pupil. 

Ethan, one of the pianists in the pit orchestra commented on the opportunity to gain new skills that he would not have picked up as a soloist working alone, and the experience of participating in a production from the beginning to the end.

He added that although he will be in Year 13 and will be occupied by university applications, he will try his best to participate in the production next year. 

We look forward to seeing you all next year!