Youngsters star in family favourite

Prepare to enter the swamp with Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey when students from St Benedict’s College bring Shrek the Musical to the stage this week.

The show tells the story of an ogre who is forced to embark on a journey with a donkey to rescue a princess from a vile lord and regain his swamp.

It will star more than 60 students from St Benedict’s Primary School and College and is being directed by drama teachers Paula Mary Camilleri and Teagan Fudge. Students have also helped make props, paint and will work backstage during the production.

It will be staged at St Benedict's Primary Hall, 22 Benedict's Close, Mango Hill, from October 7-9.

Eli Ball (Year 10) plays the role of Shrek, Sienna Randall (Year 9) plays Fiona, Ella Shegog (Year 11) plays Donkey, Miguel Gambley (Year 8) plays Lord Farquaad, Makenzi Goodwin (Year 9) plays Dragon and Lana Tancred (Year 11) plays Pinocchio.

Ms Fudge and Ms Camilleri have directed the college’s past two musicals as well as productions for South East Queensland drama festivals.

“We chose this musical because it is well known and was a great family choice to include both the primary and the college students to draw the community together,” they say.

“Our school celebrates diversity and this show is all about how being different is something to be celebrated which we firmly hold true.

“The audience can expect some brilliant performances. We have students at our college who are exceptional vocalists and all students have spent hours learning harmonies for a truly special vocal experience.

“The performance is vibrant and has colourful characters and lots of movement. The audience can expect fabulous costumes and a Dragon that has to be seen to be believed.”

Rising stars

The actors playing Shrek, Fiona and Pinocchio were recently in The Cocoon, which won Best Youth Play at the Murrumba Drama Festival in May and came second at the KSP Festival in Burpengary. Eli Ball won best actor at both festivals, Lana Tancred won two acting awards and Sienna Randall also won an award for acting. Sienna was a national finalist in the Take the Mic Australia singing competition this year.

Students have been working on the production since May, learning valuable lessons about teamwork. Older students have been helping their younger counterparts, fostering a sense of community.

Don’t miss the show

Show times are 11am and 7pm on October 7, 7pm on October 8 and 4pm on October 9. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students/children/concession and $40 for a family of four.

Visit trybooking.com/BTWAQ