This week we are all thinking about our Mums with Mother’s Day this Sunday. My own mother passed away a few years ago at the very grand age of 93. Mums are special, aren’t they?

I still think of my Mum often and the many special moments in my life being with her. I have vivid memories of her from when I was very young of her dancing. Mum was in the Victorian Ballet but also did many other styles of dance. A genuine highlight of my childhood was sitting with Mum watching musicals. In particular, Mum loved all the Fred Astaire movies, particularly those when he was partnered with Ginger Rogers. Over the years Mum collected every movie on video. My Dad was also part of this obsession as he loved jazz music and played the clarinet. Together they went to, or watched, every musical possible. I still love musicals to this very day. 

My interest in musicals has made this a wonderful week. Last weekend I went to see Chicago at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the city. While it was wonderful entertainment, Chicago didn’t hold a candle to what I experienced on Thursday night this week. St Catherine’s production of Song Contest, The Almost Eurovision Experience put on by our students, was a sight to behold and experience. The all-singing all-dancing production was superbly directed by our Head of Performing Arts Mr James Brown and provided sheer enjoyment from beginning to end. 

The Show captured the ‘kitch’ essence that makes Eurovision one of those events that on one level we can’t bear to watch but are compelled to at the same time. All of the stereotypes of the different countries’ performances were on show. From the Swedish singers with their perfect check bones, the UK with the ever-present stylised Spice Girl group dance ensemble, to the truly awful lederhosen of the German singers, every moment of the production was wonderful. 

The cast was spectacular, and while I am somewhat reluctant to mention individuals, as the whole team was just amazing, there were some memorable performances. Scarlet Russell, as the over-the-top host of the contest Bettina Tokyurirov, complete with dazzling costume changes was terrific. Her delivery, comedic timing, and sheer energy lit up The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre. Mia Upton, displaying her diverse range of talent for comedy, singing, and dancing brought a smile to my face and a sense of awe at her talent. Pernilla Coleman as the truly bad-taste German was just so memorable and by contrast her heavy metal singing of Haircut for a Revolution was spectacular. Lilla Barrington, Caitlin Dooley, and Ava Murray are other performances that come to mind. For two hours the Show transported the audience to a world of music, dance, and laughter.  Everything else in our lives disappeared for an all too brief period of time. Such is the power of music and theatre. The whole cast was spectacular. The backstage crew must have been frantic with all the costume changes and lighting effects, and the band led by Head of Music, Mr Frank Blakiston provided a superb soundtrack for the night. 

Every time I watch our students perform, I am in awe of their talent, enthusiasm, and the sheer joy they bring. How they manage to work over the many months of rehearsals, maintain their academic program, and participate in sports and other school opportunities is a feat. As I say to many people outside St Catherine’s, our students are amazing. They have a go, get involved, and do everything to the best of their capabilities. More importantly, the way they work with one another, and the enjoyment brought about in the relationships, form bonds likely to last a lifetime. This Musical brought out the best in our girls, and for a short time, the audience – filled with other students, parents, and teachers could also be part of the experience. Musicals are really magical, and so is St Catherine’s. 

After the Musical, I found myself thinking of Mum and what she might have done if she went to St Catherine’s. I believe she would have given Scarlet Russell a run for her money in the role of Bettina Tokyurirov, and with her flaming red hair, she would have been perfect.