THE DEAR EDWINA SHOW

This year, the Year 6 students worked tirelessly to practise and perform The Dear Edwina Show, a musical that explores the joys of growing up. This heartwarming musical ‘follows the adventures of plucky advice-giverextraordinaire, Edwina Spoonapple, as she directs the neighbourhood kids in a series of buoyant production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly “Advice-a-Palooza.” Edwina and her friends share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends through clever, catchy and poignant songs.’ This formed part of the Year 6 curriculum and was a collaboration between Rebecca Barker, Director of Junior School Music, and Georgie Parker, Drama Teacher. It was divided into two casts – a Wednesday and a Thursday cast. While this unique set-up had its challenges, the rewards were enormous – more girls had leading roles, and it doubled the opportunity for students to perform. Due to the unexpected arrival of COVID-19, students transitioned to practising via distance learning. There were seven classes per week, and girls worked hard, both on their own and with their teachers, to practise their lines, sing solos, and perform in an ensemble.

While the girls were disappointed that they were unable to perform in front of an audience, they quickly rose to the challenge. The Junior School was able to obtain special permission to film the musical, so over the course of the last three days of Term 2, the girls performed in Royce Theatre. While they had to redo some scenes, they took their roles seriously as they displayed resilience, persistence, and unwavering support for one another. This year is a year like no other, but as the Year 6 girls have learnt, the show must go on. Performing this musical in the age of COVID-19 was no small feat, and we congratulate the Year 6 students on this phenomenal achievement.