Outstanding award for CBC Drama

from Touchstone Winter 2021

We will remember them

CBC Fremantle’s dramatic rendition of the Roald Dahl classic, The Witches, received rave reviews after a sold-old weekend of performances in first term.

After months of dedication to the production, the story of a boy and his grandfather battling to defeat the grand high witch and her followers was brought to life with incredible costumes, makeup and set design captivating the audience from start to finish.

But it was the cast and crew who shone, with perfect timing for lighting and special effects complementing the bold acting of the thespians on stage.

The actors appeared completely immersed in the experience, keeping in character with gestures and movement, and providing some moments of genuine hilarity with slapstick comedy and excellent timing.

In addition, in preparation for their role, seven gentlemen joined Drama teacher Ms Rosalba Jeffreys in facing the clippers and shaving their heads prior to the production. The reveal of bare heads under witches’ wigs during the play sealed their complete commitment to their craft, and reflected the attention to detail given to the characters. The group’s decision to lose their locks also raised funds for The World’s Greatest Shave in honour of Ms Jeffreys’ husband of 50 years, Robert, who lost his battle with Leukaemia on Christmas Eve in 2019.

Ms Jeffreys was called on at the last minute to step into the main character’s role after Harrison Ricci (Year 10) fell ill and was hospitalised just days before opening night. The experienced stage actor occasionally referred to the script in her hand, which was barely noticeable as she scampered around the set as ‘the boy’ complete with large mouse ears and tail.

Directed by CBC Drama teacher, Mr Kim Delury, the delightful production was unanimously approved by the Catholic Arts judges, who gave a huge thumbs up with an Outstanding Award in the full-length category and paying particular tribute to the excellent teamwork, focus and energy of every person involved.

The incredible performance was a credit to the commitment of the students involved and an entertaining example of the quest for personal excellence on the CBC journey.