As a cast member on this year’s Shrek the Musical, the full college production, that ran from the 4th to the 7th of March, I can say with full confidence that this was one of the greatest moments of my time at Newington. No doubt this sentiment is shared with all of the cast, crew, band, and staff that dedicated day after day for five months to make this production come to fruition. So let’s take a peek behind the curtain, backstage passes in hand, at the magic, the music, and the memories that made the brilliance of Shrek.
Rehearsals started all the way back in mid-October. It was a Sunday, not the most ideal day to be at school but one of the few days that worked. Ever since then, hours turned into days turned into months, and after around 200 rehearsal hours, we were ready. This included choreographing and workshopping dances, developing acting with passion and clarity, and a lot of yelling of “MIDDLE PART!!!” from an angry Mr Scott because we weren’t getting our harmonies right.
Comparison of Angus Edwards as Shrek in rehearsal in the Drama Theatre late January (credit: Ryan Low), and in dress rehearsal in early March (credit: Robert Catto Photography)
This production was also in association with students from MLC School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, and Burwood Girls High School. The girls were absolutely spectacular and amplified the production to further heights. This also promises a bright future for Newington as we look to co-education in the Senior School from 2028.
Sage Galafassi (SCEGGS Darlinghurst; Teen Fiona), Adelaide Abernerthy (MLC School; Fiona), and Tilly Eastway (Burwood Girls High School; Young Fiona) Credit: Robert Catto Photography
But that’s just the cast. The crew, led ably by stage manager Dylan Hubbard, technical director Mr Brockman, and sound designer Oliver Brighton from Focus Production, shone a new light on the production, both figuratively and literally. The eleven-student strong crew took on roles in lighting, sound, and side-of-stage management since early in 2026. And the pit band, featuring 14 students and 3 music staff, conducted by musical director Mr Scott and assistant musical director Mr James, gave the show the extra audible oomph it needed.
All the moving parts to the show in its critical point. Credit: Robert Catto Photography
It would be remiss of me not to mention the marvelousness of our directors Darren Yap (ON 1985) and Lisa Callingham, two industry greats that have so generously given their time and effort to mentor a group of schoolchildren in acting, singing, and dancing to bring this show to life. Our actions, moves, and the way we say our words shine only because of their advice and development. And while the common line in the show is “what makes us special makes us strong”, truly it is the work of those the audience does not see that allows us to shine. That’s what makes us special. That’s what makes us strong.
Official Cast Photo. Credit: Robert Catto Photography