The first-ever Aquinas House Plays contest debuted last month, delivering an evening of theatrical surprises, memorable staff cameos and actors playing to a full house.

Each House submitted a student-written script centred on the idea of Truth, the Aquinas Touchstone for this year. Cluny’s play investigated truth and deception through the ages, while Browne followed a group of teenagers through an experience of shoplifting and a moral dilemma. 

Foy treated us to a whodunnit while Hēni Pore took an abstract approach, showcasing a group of intrepid detectives searching for the truth, which they found in the unlikely shape of the English Faculty’s Paul Kirkham.

Our staff also showcased their talents. Science gurus Paul Ferris and Mat Synge were dressed to the nines as mannequins in the Browne play, PE leader Richard Watson gave voice to God in the Cluny play, and Math Teacher Fraser Graham gave an award-winning performance as Mr Black for Foy.

The Individual Winners were:

Fraser Graham: Best staff member in a cameo role

Chloe Oosthuizen (Year 8): Best performer in a supporting role

Bridget Bywater-Lutman (Year 7): Best performer in a leading role

Zoe Sherlock (Year 13): Best director

The House Placings were:

First: Foy

Second: Heni Pore

Third: Browne

Fourth: Cluny