General News
14 October, 2021
Hey now, you’re an all-star
A RECORD number of Mortlake College students have been cast in an upcoming production of Shrek the Musical.
A RECORD number of Mortlake College students have been cast in an upcoming production of Shrek the Musical.
Six students will take to the stage as part of the Warrnambool Theatre Company’s Holiday Actors production.
Senior students Amy Hughes (Mamma Ogre), Kaitlyn Gust (Donkey), Taine De Manser (Shrek) and Zoee Boyden (Sugar Plum Fairy) were all cast in featured roles, and junior students Isabella Pickford and Ashton Maher will join the ensemble.
Taine De Manser has been tasked with bringing to life the titular role of Shrek, one of the most iconic characters in animated film history.
“It’s a big responsibility to be playing Shrek,” he said.
“I will be trying to find a fine line between playing the iconic character that everybody wants to see, and trying to make that original at the same time.
“That’s where my head is at in trying to find that character.”
Zoee Boyden said she was excited to have the opportunity to feature in a versatile role.
“Playing the Sugar Plum Fairy is going to be a really fun role because I am also a part of the feature dance, so I have got a big part in a minor role,” she said.
“I’m working with some incredible people, like my fellow Mortlake College students and the other Holiday Actors, so it is really exciting to see how it is all coming together.”
Amy Hughes said the Holiday Actors productions have earned a reputation for developing amazing shows.
“It’s a great community and the shows are always spectacular,” she said.
“To be a part of Shrek, and to have a role, is quite heart-warming and really amazing.”
Kaitlyn Gust said she was both excited and nervous for the experience of playing Donkey.
“I think it’s a good mix of both,” she said.
“I’m also excited to see the community come back together again, as a team, to work together and do what we love.”
Junior students Isabella Pickford and Ashton Mahar were looking forward to gaining valuable experience in their first non-school production.
Isabella said she had only recently began a foray in to the performing arts but was loving every minute.
“This is my first time and I only started doing performing arts this year so I am excited to be part of this,” Isabella said.
“I love being on the stage and being someone else in the theatre.”
Ashton said gaining experience around some of the best student actors in the region was an exciting opportunity.
“It will be really nice to be one of the first plays to hopefully go ahead as we come out of lockdown,” he said.
Holiday Actors secretary Joel Barker praised the college for its role in developing the talented thespians.
“Shrek the Musical is a mammoth effort, and a great thing to have after COVID with so many cancellations and postponements,” he said.
“It’s great for the kids, and very exciting to get back out there.
“There are a couple more to come through that are just a bit too young at the moment but they are showing real promise.
“It’s great to have so many students emerging from one school and great for them to be able to practice with each other.”
Shrek the Musical will hit the stage next year from January 8-15 at Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre.
For more information about Shrek the Musical visit www.holidayactors.com.au.
