THS Performing Arts 

Thornbury High School’s 2022 Production of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ has been an amazing experience for all involved; from the announcement of the cast, crew and band, to the taking of the final bows. 

Across all the rehearsals every Wednesday and Thursday, after school and every Sunday afternoon, everyone has worked exceptionally hard and put in a lot of effort to make this the best show the school has put on yet. 

The teachers that helped us, Fionn O’Sullivan, Fi Parrey and Emma McCulloch were extremely dedicated to putting on an epic show and it showed in their resilience and amazing skills to combat any issue that would appear.

From a year 12 actor’s point of view, the fact that this was my last production with the school was a key motivator. We put a massive amount of effort and dedicated time outside of school to bring the production to life and make all the teachers and my fellow students proud. Making tons of friendships and sharing the fun of it was also something special for me that I will treasure forever and never forget. 

All these bonds continued to grow stronger after every rehearsal and when it came to Production Camp in Mt. Evelyn, our bonds and support for each other really emerged. In all the activities we undertook together including the High Ropes, Giant Swing and Crate Stacking, this played a major role. All the night hours we spent rehearsing every act and number over and over again further contributed to the presentation of our final performance.

Unfortunately, a few amazing people had to pull out due to COVID-19 but that didn’t stop us from moving forward and producing another successful show. Even one of our lead actors had an unfortunate accident before the second show but still went out there in style, in a wheelchair and then on crutches. 

Although it was an amazing performance, it was a little bittersweet for me personally because it was my last performance with the school. Many tears were shed backstage after our final bows and even more from myself. 

As a graduating senior who has contributed as much as I can to the performing arts department at Thornbury High School, I will forever treasure the memories I made with other kids like me. I personally feel so proud of myself and everyone else for giving it our all during every rehearsal and performance. We dedicate our performance to the funny and hilarious Fi Parrey, the crazy, supportive and kind Fionn O’Sullivan and the amazing, resilient, determined and kind Emma McCulloch and her first-born baby.

I can’t wait to come back and help out with the generation of theatre kids that I am leaving behind and produce the next special memory in the performing arts department of Thornbury High School.

Hugo Cooper

Shakespeare Festival

The Thornbury High School Shakespeare Festival, despite its postponement, is STILL the best ticket in town! Join us for a double-bill performance of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and "Macbeth" presented by the Year 9 and Year 11 Theatre Studies classes, on Thursday 26th May, from 6.30pm 🎉🎭

When: Thursday 26th May, 2022

Time:  6:00pm arrival

6:30pm - show 1: Year 9 Theatre Studies presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

7:30 - 8:00pm: Interval

8:00pm - show 2: Year 11 Theatre Studies presents “Macbeth”

Tickets: via CompassTix