Arts
25 September, 2025
St Patrick's puts on school musical with a twist
Consider Yourself lucky if you managed to get a seat to see the young stars in either of their two performances of ‘Oliver with a Twist’.
IT WOULD be Gruel not to give the students of St Patrick’s Primary School a round of applause as they put on their annual school musical last week.
Consider Yourself lucky if you managed to get a seat to see the young stars in either of their two performances of ‘Oliver with a Twist’.
The students, who have been practicing their lines, lyrics and moves since the beginning of Term 3, said they couldn’t be more excited to be on stage at the St Arnaud Town Hall.
“It’s been a lot of work remembering all the lines and songs, but it’s been really fun,” Grade 6 student Bella Mason, who plays Nancy, said.
“We work our way up over the years all the way to being the leads in Grade 6, so it’s good to do that now.”
‘Oliver with a Twist’ is a condensed and child-friendly version of the play we all know, following the story of orphan Oliver who is forced out of his life in a workhouse into a career of pickpocketing.
Each class from Prep to Grade 6 is given a song to learn the lyrics and create their own dance to, making it a whole-school affair.
Learning support officer and first-time director Chelsea Gravener said it was great to see what the students had produced after their weeks of work.
“It’s been such a positive experience we’ve all loved,” she said.
“The students have really taken it in their stride and we’ve had such a great time with the costumes and songs and everything.”
Ms Gravener said having the musical each year gave students a different outlet for their talents.
“Sport is such a massive part of a lot of students’ lives, but it is nice to cater to the children who aren’t as interested in that side of their education,” she said.
“[Drama and theatre] is a great way for them to build confidence and it really brings some students out of their shells.
“It feels great being able to provide an outlet for all of our students, no matter where their talents are at.”
Read More: St Arnaud