Cross-dressing aliens and love-sick dentists with horticultural inclinations make for interesting themes for a high school musical, but Hagley is a place where we like to do things a little bit differently.

In April 2018, the last week of Term 1, after weeks of dedication by students and staff, it all finally culminated in a musical showcase that reflects the energy, fun and variety of talent that we see in our students at Hagley.

Nanako Sato (Producer/Musical Director) and Kevin Roberts (Musical Director/Sound) tirelessly worked with the students to produce a musical that allowed students to showcase their vocal, dance and theatrical talents.

This year, the theme was The Little Shop of Horrors meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It promised to be fun and funny, and the students did not disappoint. Opening night was fabulous.

Both well-known cult classics, they are musicals that audiences have preconceived expectations about and are big shoes to fill, but the Hagley cast brought their own energy to the roles, carrying on the spirit and intent of the original shows. Cast members carried off the madness of the characters, and certainly did not disappoint the audience. They performed a range of songs from The Little Shop of Horrors; classics such as Skid Row, Grow for Me and Dentist; plus Rocky Horror Picture Show classics I’m Going Home, Sweet Transvestite, and the iconic Time Warp.

Many of us will long remember Harrison Searancke as Frank-N-Furter and the Dentist. He pulled off both roles with classic comedic timing, and with the enthusiasm and style that audiences expect from each character.

Harrison is a mainstay of the Cabaret, having performed in it for the past 5 years. His presence will be missed as he moves on to tertiary study in 2019. However, the show allowed us to see new talent entering the Cabaret arena, and hopefully these students, and new ones, will perform in future productions.

It is six years since Hagley first held a student-based musical to fundraise for Breast Cancer, and it is still a fundraiser that is going strong. The Cabaret continues to be an excellent opportunity to fundraise for a very good cause, as well as showcase students' dramatic and vocal talent. It also creates an environment that encourages teamwork from the students, both in front of and behind the scenes.

The production is also a great opportunity to showcase more than just acting and music. The students organised the lighting, filming, photography, choreography and costumes and they did a fantastic job, ensuring the performers not only sounded good but looked fantastic on stage.

The Cabaret would not happen without the kindness and support of The Hagley Theatre Company, The Drama, Music and Art Departments, the Enrolment Centre Team, and all other staff and students who volunteered their time and talents.