We ended the school year with one of our most exciting and entertaining Whole School events - Guild Drama.

The Dorothy Knox Centre was crammed with the PLC Armidale community to watch our four Guilds battle it out for the Guild Drama Cup - and it was spectaculr to watch.

This entrely student led production is amazing and involves girls from kindergarten through to Year 11 - with a large cohort of our freshly graduated Year 12's also coming along to barrack for their Guild !! 

Every year, an inspirational quote is pulled from a hat and this year, in homage to the author PL Travers who inspired our 2025 musical 'Mary Poppins' and said ""We're on the brink of an Adventure. Don't spoil it by asking questions!"

Each Guild created an entertaining drama using this quote as inspiration. The line also had to be used somewhere in the script along with the word 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'. The scripts, choreography, costumes, and music for each production were developed and performed entirely by the students.

The hot day ensured our P&F was kept busy providing cold drinks, ice-blocks and snacks during intervals, along with a sausage sizzle in the garden as we awaited the judges decision.

And the winner of the 2024 Guild Drama was ..................Dixon!  

Congratulations Dixon - your zany parody of Australian Survivor, with two unlikely teams—the Chipmunks and the Smurfs—competing in a series of outrageous challenges to claim the ultimate prize impressed the judges.

Congratulations to all the Guilds - every production was wonderful.

Thank you to our judging panel - Old Girls - Anneliese O’Sullivan (2011), Melissa Harvey (2013) and Chelsea Jeffery (2013) 

The Judges 2024 Guild Drama Awards went to:

• Best Script - Lovell

• Best Choreography - Wilkie

• Best Live Music - Dixon

• Best Costumes - Hamlin

• Best Character Hamlin - Khushi Aila

• Best Character Dixon - Molly Chard

• Best Character Wilkie - Poppy-Grace Newton

• Best Character Lovell - Shiloni Katta

AWARDS FOR CONTRIBUTION TO GUILD DRAMA

DIXON : 

SENIOR SCHOOL - Molly Chard

JUNIOR SCHOOL: Isabella Wyatt and Issy Hodgens

WILKIE:

SENIOR SCHOOL - Poppy-Grace Newton and Mary Ugwumba

JUNIOR SCHOOL: Phoebe Butterworth

LOVELL:

SENIOR SCHOOL - Navita Maher 

JUNIOR SCHOOL - Shiloni Katta

HAMLIN:

SENIOR SCHOOL - Jade Foster and Mila Vanzella 

JUNIOR SCHOOL - Evie Donaldson

The performance order was as follows: Hamlin, Dixon, Wilkie and Lovell

Hamlin’s story followed a group of students who accidentally activate a video game during class, which transports them into the world of Jumanji. They take on the personas of the game’s characters, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, and must complete three dangerous levels to escape. Guided by Indiana Jones (and Mini Indiana), they encounter various fictional universes and characters, including Gru, Minions, Captain Hook, Peter Pan, King Julien, and penguins from Madagascar. The adventure culminates in piecing together a magical word to return home before sunset

Guild Captain Tilly George led with calm, confidence, and a strong sense of order, supported very ably by Isabella Every. Tilly's good character and teachable nature have shone throughout the process. She has shown a willingness to do the right thing, demonstrating leadership that has inspired both Junior School and other students, who have always been engaged. Well done, Tilly and Izzy, for remaining focused and embodying the best of Guild Drama spirit throughout the week of rehearsals. 

Dixon performed a zany parody of Australian Survivor, where two unlikely teams—the Chipmunks and the Smurfs—compete in a series of outrageous challenges to claim the ultimate prize. Hosted by a larger-than-life JLP, Dixon features musical face-offs, a chaotic MasterChef-style cake-decorating contest, and a high-stakes hike through the Warrumbungles, complete with surprise appearances from Wizard of Oz characters. Along the way, alliances are tested, schemes are overheard, and hilarity ensues as Alvin and Smurfette conspire to outwit everyone but end up hilariously lost. With over-the-top performances, dramatic twists, and a cliffhanger ending involving a glowing prize chest, this script delivers a riotous blend of comedy, music, and mischief.

This year, Dixon has a Year 11 team of amazing CAPA students led by Tiko Lay. It was hilarious listening to the rehearsals of the Chipmunks harmonising in the Year 12 block—bringing laughter to anyone within earshot. The dedication of India Smith, who brought an entire orchestra together for this performance, truly shows the spirit of teamwork that Guild Drama embodies. The team has remained organised, in control, and calm, even under pressure. Tiko’s outstanding leadership, along with a collaborative atmosphere with her deputy Zoe Webb, ensured everything ran smoothly. Tiko has been flexible and hardworking, supporting the creative process and keeping morale high. Well done, Dixon!

Lovell gave us Beyond the Screen - a comedic and heartwarming performance that challenges a modern family to reconnect with one another and rediscover life beyond their devices. The story follows Frankie and Billy as they drag their technology-obsessed parents on an outdoor adventure, only to be swept into a whimsical quest led by iconic fictional characters like Captain Jack Sparrow & Harry Potter. Through a series of humorous and action-packed challenges—including solving riddles, navigating mazes, and even dancing—each character learns the value of family, adventure, and living in the moment. With a final song celebrating the joy of connection, Beyond the Screen will leave you with a powerful message about stepping away from technology to embrace the world around you.

Guild Captain Teya Catterall, along with Deputy is Sophie Young brought a remarkable level of thoughtfulness and understanding to her role, crafting a complex and interesting script that speaks to the core themes of connection and adventure. Her natural leadership skills were evident as she guided the team, projecting her understanding of drama and theatre in every rehearsal. Sophie and Teya worked well together, fostering teamwork and collaboration that allowed every Lovell student to shine.

Wilkie presented a vibrant, comedic adventure featuring Dr Wilkie and her personified Emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—on a whirlwind journey across continents to find the missing Guild Mascot - Willie the Whale. The group hilariously navigated mishaps caused by Tina’s Travel Agency, leading them to unexpected “PLCs,” such as the Pride Lions Collective in Africa, Broadway performers in New York, and the Penguin Lovers Club in Antarctica. Along the way, they encounter iconic characters, including Baymax, Simba, and even The Beatles and Spice Girls, engaging in lively performances and heartfelt lessons. The play concludes with a celebratory performance of On Top of the World, reminding you that adventures, challenges, and togetherness shape meaningful journeys.

This year, our Wilkie Guild Captains, Anna Grills and Deputy Korin Kelly, showed dedication and Guild Spirit. They worked together with determination, showing flexibility and resilience under pressure. Their friendly approach and hardworking nature kept the team motivated throughout the process. Thank you, Anna and Korin, for your dedication throughout the week of rehearsals.