The Senior School production of ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ took excited audiences on a voyage through the origin story of Peter Pan. Featuring music, pirates, mermaids and a shipwreck, the story explored themes of friendship, growing up, imagination and belonging. 

With around 50 students from Years 9–12 involved in performance, design, technical and backstage roles, the play was a shared creative effort. One of the production’s most distinctive features was its strong ensemble focus. Rather than centring only on lead roles, the play provided opportunities for students across year levels to contribute, collaborate and develop their strengths. 

Riley, Year 12, who played Lord Aster, an English gentleman, said that his favourite scene was the play’s opening one. Created especially for the Haileybury production, it features the cast and crew on stage preparing for the play, rehearsing their lines and finalising props. It was a scene that reflected the play’s deeper themes of belonging and inclusion. “I really enjoyed that it was quite a flexible production in that we could add our own interpretations and vision to the details,” explained Riley. 

Director and Producer Nicole Smith said the students had many opportunities to learn and grow throughout the production process. 

“Students have worked across a range of disciplines, learning that every role is vital in bringing a story to life. From performers and musicians to designers, technicians and crew, everyone had a part to play,” she said. 

The sense of connection was a characteristic of the production. Tyler, Year 12, played Prentiss, an orphan boy. He appreciated the chance for the older students to connect with and mentor the less experienced students. He also loved performing a special preview for ELC students who presented decorated stars to the cast and crew ahead of opening night.  Tyler was also grateful for the “passion and enthusiasm” of the Haileybury staff who supported the production. 

For many students, the play also provided opportunities to stretch themselves artistically. Arabella, Year 12, played Fighting Prawn. “My character was a fierce warrior with an accent, so I was able to study how to say certain words and incorporate the accent into my acting,” she says.  

The play also explored creative boundaries through its use of puppetry, with students considering new artistic techniques with Artist-in-Residence William Bobbie Stewart. When used in performances, the puppets appear to float magically amongst the performers.  

William’s broad experience in film, television and theatre design helped to shape the look of the production. A particular highlight for students was the opportunity for the backstage crew to work with him. He taught them about the art of puppetry and prop making. 

The students and William worked together over five Sundays to develop the puppets, and the appreciation was mutual, with William commenting that the students’ work was “inspirational.”  

“Every single one of the students’ actions served the show,” he says. 

The production did more than bring a beloved story to life. It created a world for students to belong to, for audiences to enjoy, and a platform for the cast and crew to extend themselves.  

The play is written by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, with music by Wayne Barker.