Looped a triumph of student creativity

The Preparatory School production of Looped was a triumph for the Year 7–8 cohort with all 220 students taking the stage across three nights of vibrant performances of the original, fast-paced show in mid-June.

What made the show even more impressive was the fact the story, script, and most of the song lyrics were devised by a group of Preparatory School students themselves, with Looped’s original score composed by Secondary School songwriters.

“Looped was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and student voice,” says Director and Dance and Drama teacher, Ginnie Thorner. “It has been wonderful to see our Preparatory School students take creative ownership of the scriptwriting and lyric development, and have input into the choreography and rehearsals during the process, with Secondary School students also supporting the cast members in refining their performance skills.”

A core cast in lead and support roles were chosen to appear in every performance of the show, with the Year 7–8 classes taking turns as three different ensemble casts. Several Preparatory School students also learnt valuable behind the scenes skills after taking on technical and backstage roles.

“It’s a massive undertaking to co-ordinate over 200 students to appear on stage as part of the production, but it’s wonderful they have all had the experience,” shares Ginnie who was responsible for the overall creative leadership, directing, play-writing workshops, and set design. “Some students were in their element, others stepped right outside their comfort zones, while some have discovered a new passion for the performing arts.”

Supporting Ginnie in the creative team were Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, who made an extensive musical contribution in sound design and operating, and choreographer Hana Pearce (OC 2019,) who had a huge job corralling such a large group of students across the fun dance numbers. Old Collegians, senior students, and parent volunteers also helped behind the scenes, along with classroom teachers and some staff.

A well-deserved standing ovation at the final performance was a fitting celebration of the talent and hard work of everyone involved in bringing Looped to life.

Granny Code cracks the code

Looped is set in Looptown, a vibrant, colourful world where everything runs on points, progress, and the promise of more. The Mayor has a grand vision to build an empire where success is measured, tracked, and endlessly chased, and the Looptowners are hooked.

But Granny Coda senses something is not quite right and decides to investigate when Looptowners start disappearing, and there are strange glitches in the system.

In the lead role of Granny Coda, Jessica Whitehead (Year 8), was the show’s standout performer, perfectly capturing the mannerisms of her much older character and singing beautifully in several numbers. It was a big role and Jessica did a brilliant job.

In his first major role, Cole Gordon-Glassford (Year 7) as Dequavian, Granny Coda’s grandson who accompanied her on her mission to discover the truth, was also a revelation, completely at ease on the stage, and singing strongly, particularly in the duet, Golden Olden Days with Jessica Whitehead.

As the Mayor who would rather ignore the failures of his plan than face them, Jack Callaway (Year 7) was also impressive, demonstrating strong acting skills.

Other students to impress in lead roles were Eileen Li (Year 7) as Mouse, who helped Granny and Dequavian on their mission; Skye Ghisel (Year 7) as Dot, Dequavian’s sister; Madeline McDonnel (Year 8) as the siblings’ Mum; Henry Graham (Year 8) as the Gamer; the Mayor’s sidekicks, Techy (Henry Streeter – Year 7) and Comms (Finn Buckley – Year 8); and the Reporter, Liam Stronach (Year 8).

The Glitches, Ruby Richards, Charlotte Harrison and Vitek Mencl (all Year 8), had fun in their roles and did a great job with their song, Come On and Glitch.

Another standout was Mac Simpson (Year 8), as head of the Firewalls who gave a great performance of the song We Are the Firewall, with support from Alfred Lash and Carter Robinson (both Year 8).

The student ensemble relished their roles as Looptowners, Forgotten Zoners, Glitches, and members of the Firewall, and took part in some toe-tapping song and dance numbers.

Granny Coda uncovered the truth in the end – the Looptowners were all part of a game being controlled by the Gamer, but once she convinced him to unplug, normality was finally restored. Given the risks facing young people around technology ßuse, it was a powerful message for the Preparatory School students to share.

With such strong acting talent, vibrant musical numbers, and a great storyline it is hard to believe Looped’s imaginative adventure was devised by a group of 11 to 13-year-old students. They can be incredibly proud of the three nights of impressive, collaborative theatre they created.