Year 10 Play Program 2025

Honor Non Honores

Mission An Anglican community inspiring every learner every experience every day

Vision To be a leader in Christian education that is characterised by a global vision that inspires hope

Values Commitment Compassion Courage Integrity Respect

We acknowledge the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land on which Barker College, Darkinjung Barker, Ngarralingayil Barker and Dhupuma Barker stand. We pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging of the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu nations and extend that respect to other Indigenous people within the Barker College community.

Indigenous Australians have a rich history of storytelling, educating their children and sharing law, history, spirituality and morals through stories, song and dance. Inspired by this rich tradition, tonight these students will be sharing their stories. We hope you enjoy.

Welcome

It is with great joy that I welcome you to this evening’s Year 10 play, featuring three compelling short plays: Eclipse, Black Comedy, and Concord Floral.

Each of these works explores how a single moment can reveal hidden truths and transform lives—an apt reflection of the journey our students undertake in the performing arts.

We are especially honoured to have these plays directed by six remarkable Barker alumni—Anika Banerjee, Oliver Clisdell, Mia Heath, Harry Bartlett, Mikey Jones, and Josh Merten. Their return to Barker as mentors and directors is a testament to the enduring spirit of our community.

Our Year 10 students have embraced this opportunity with passion and dedication, guided by the inspiring leadership of Ms Pia Midgley, Head of Drama and Executive Director of this production. They have been supported by a brilliant crew and the tireless efforts of our Drama technical and teaching staff.

Tonight is a celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration. We give thanks to God for the giftedness of these young people and their unwavering commitment to our community.

Enjoy the show.

Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College

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Director’s Note

What I love most about the Performing Arts at Barker is the enduring sense of legacy.

When I started here 17 years ago there was already a deep passion for creating theatre that means something, a desire to encourage students to work beyond the “school play” mentality and to really be able to hold their heads high and to be proud of sophisticated, intelligent work that can still entertain. And over my time I have been lucky enough to direct the talented alumni that present work for you tonight.

Anika Banerjee, Oliver Clisdell, Mia Heath, Harry Bartlett, Mikey Jones, and Josh Merten are now out in the world, many of them forging a career in the Performing Arts, and I am immensely grateful to them for their willingness to return through the Mint Gates, offering their time, expertise, and creative energy. It is a generous and invaluable gift to our current students. Drama Karma is real.

Each play explores how a single event can uncover hidden truths and transform lives. Eclipse follows a group of teenagers grappling with the mysterious disappearance

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of a girl during a solar eclipse. Black Comedy spirals into delightful chaos when a sudden power outage at a social gathering, reveals long-held secrets. Concord Floral unveils a haunting secret in an abandoned greenhouse, compelling a group of teens to confront guilt, memory, and silence.

Although distinct in genre—spanning drama, farce, and mystery—they each illuminate the complexity of youth, the weight of secrecy, and the enduring power of truth.

On behalf of the Barker Drama Department, I am deeply proud to showcase the creativity, sensitivity, and courage of our students, and remain profoundly grateful to our alumni directors. This production is a celebration not only of theatrical storytelling but also of the rich artistic legacy that continues to thrive at Barker.

Pia Midgley Executive Director

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Eclipse

by Simon Armitage Directors Oliver Clisdell & Anika Banerjee Coming back to Barker to direct has been a nostalgic, fun, and at times, scary experience. As former students and actors on this very stage, stepping into the role of directors—especially for the first time—felt both thrilling and daunting. When we were asked to direct the Year 10 play, a whirlwind of thoughts ran through our minds. ‘YAY! We get to return to the place that sparked the fire of our careers!’ but also; ‘How does one even direct?’ and ‘What show do we choose?’.

Then Ollie discovered Eclipse by Simon Armitage. From the moment we read it, we could see the Rhodes’ Theatre space come alive with its poetic, dramatic, funny, and ethereal energy. The characters and their stories felt vivid and clear, and this play’s style and spirit perfectly suited the vision we wanted to bring to life for the Year 10 production.

Directing Eclipse has been a challenge, a privilege, and above all, a profound lesson in trust. This play tackles big questions and difficult truths, and we asked a lot of our cast—emotionally, mentally, and artistically.

But we did so because we knew they were capable. We saw in them the same hunger for storytelling and growth that once fuelled us. Throughout rehearsals, they dug deeper, pushed harder, and came together in a way that truly reflected the story they were telling. Their ownership of the material has transformed Eclipse into something powerful and honest.

We fondly remember our own Year 10 play experiences and it has been a genuine joy to direct this beautiful piece. The 2025 Year 10 students have shown incredible professionalism, dedication, and passion— balancing rehearsals with music, sports, social life, family, and studies. They are

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the true stars of this production, and it’s been inspiring to witness their growth and commitment.

At its heart, Eclipse is about the disappearance of Lucy Lime—an unsettling idea that lingers throughout the play.

Though the play leaves the aftermath openended, we felt it was important to provide a clearer ending. We found that clarity in the poem If I knew by George Michael Grossman, which we incorporated to create a cyclical structure. It’s simple, heartfelt language about loving someone as if it were your last beautifully echoes the prose style of Eclipse and leaves a lasting emotional impact.

Returning to direct a production at the school we once called home has been a deeply personal and surreal journey. Just a few years ago, we were students on this very stage, learning about theatre, storytelling, and trust from some of the most passionate teachers we have ever known. Their belief in us shaped who we are today, both as artists and individuals.

This opportunity, has been more than just a return—it’s a full-circle moment, one we are incredibly grateful for.

To the students: thank you for trusting us.

To our past teachers and mentors: thank you for believing in us. And to the other alumni directors, thank you for sharing this journey with us. And finally, to our audience, thank you for witnessing what happens when a school community truly believes in its students. This is more than a play—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come and how far we can go.

We hope Eclipse lingers with you—quietly, uncomfortably, and meaningfully.

Cast Tulip Emilia Condell

Midnight Luka Foxcroft

Jane Louella Crocker

Polly Emily Holdsworth

Klondike Annabelle Sam

Glue boy Jack Cottingham

Ensemble Kabir Pandey Sophie Bell Bethany McGibbon Andrew Lam Adelaide Whalley

Lucy Lime Gabby Turner

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Black Comedy

By Peter Shaffer Directors Mia Heath & Harry Bartlett Directing this year’s Year 10 production has been nothing short of a privilege. As past Barker Drama students ourselves, it’s hard to put into words just how much this community has shaped us—not just as performers, but as people. Drama at Barker taught us about creativity, courage, and collaboration, and it feels incredibly special to return and give back to the department that gave us so much. We’ve always believed in “Drama Karma”—the idea that the energy and love you invest into a Barker show comes back to you tenfold. Watching this cast take ownership of their characters, throw themselves into the chaos of farce, and grow with each rehearsal has been the most rewarding proof of that.

Black Comedy is a wild, clever, and wonderfully absurd play. We chose it because it’s challenging, fast-paced, and above all—fun. During our own time in Barker Drama, we learned to love the kind of theatre that asks everything of you—big physicality, razor-sharp timing, and a deep trust in your fellow cast members. Farce is a genre that pushes performers to the edge of chaos, and we knew this group of students was ready to rise to that challenge. Black Comedy gave them the chance to play boldly, to take risks, and to discover the joy that comes from throwing yourself fully into the madness. It’s a play that demands energy and generosity from its cast, and we’ve been blown away by the way these young actors have brought it to life.

It’s a funny feeling, standing on the other side of this process. It wasn’t that long ago that we were the ones scrambling to remember lines, laughing through tech runs, and feeling the nerves before opening night.

In many ways, we still feel like those kids.

And truthfully, there were moments along

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the way that stretched us—times we had to pause, figure things out, and learn as we went. But every time, our cast met us with heart, humour, and trust, and reminded us why we love this so much. Seeing them take the stage with such joy and dedication has made us so incredibly proud—not just of their performances, but of who they’ve become throughout this journey.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dugal Parker—this show simply wouldn’t be what it is without your brilliantly hilarious ideas and creative spark. To the entire tech and backstage crew: your creativity, adaptability, and behind-the-scenes magic have held this show together. A special shoutout to our brilliant stage manager, Dan Whiting, for keeping everything running smoothly (and for putting up with our constant changes!). And to Karen James— your unwavering support, calm presence, and quiet strength have been the true backbone of this production. To the other Alumni directors— your ongoing support, guidance, and camaraderie mean the world.

To Simon Thompson, Amy Robertson, Pia Midgley, Claire Yeomans and Angela Morosin: thank you for lighting the spark that made us fall in love with theatre in the first place. To Pia Midgley—thank you not only for trusting us with this opportunity, but for your belief in us then and now. It has truly been the greatest honour.

To our families (and to Joel!)—thank you for being our greatest supporters, sounding boards, and late-night pep talkers. And finally, to our cast: thank you for your trust, your spirit, and your willingness to leap into the madness with us. You’ve made us proud beyond words.

With love and light (and just a little darkness).

Cast Miss Furnival Charlize Funke -Andrews

Harold Gorringe Dylan Fleischer

Clea Neve Parker

Brindsley Miller Joey Wildblood

Carol Melkett Madeline Keen

Sir Gordan Parker Dugal Parker

Electrician / Frank Smith JJ Thomas

Colonel Melkett William Bickerstaff

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Concord Floral

By Jordan Tannahill Directors Michael Jones & Josh Merten

Concord Floral is a fantastical portrait of a neighbourhood and the spaces in it that teenagers claim for themselves. Our version of the play celebrates Australian nature and suburbia, explores where they coexist and where they conflict. The characters struggle to process their guilt and their desires as they wander the abandoned spaces of Springwood, overrun with tree roots generations old and stray animals seeking a place to nest. As encouraged by the playwright, Jordan Tannahill, we collaborated with the cast to update and re-contextualise the piece to better reflect the world around them and how they feel about what they see.

Young voices are powerful and deserve to be heard. “These kids are wise, Aware.”

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We first met in Year 9 Drama, and we have been creating together ever since. Barker Drama is a massive part of why we pursued the Performing Arts. The teachers were always so supportive and encouraging of our creativity. We are so grateful to be back and be a part of this awesome project, hopefully continuing the cycle of Drama Karma and supporting some future actors.

Cast Greenhouse Oliver Downing

Bobolink Frederick Grimes

Fox Claudia Wang

Couch Bora Fettahlioglu

Nearly Wild Alex Muir

Just Joey David Cornwell

Forever Irene Susannah Mead

Rosa Mundi Chloe Conoulty

Bobbie James Nicola Reed

John Cabot Al Strathdee

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Alumni Directors Oliver Clisdell Oliver graduated Barker in 2019 and went to NIDA to study a Diploma of Musical Theatre. At NIDA, he worked with the likes of Phillip Quast (Les Mis 10th Anniversary Concert, Mary Poppins), Simon Burke AO (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Playschool) and Danielle Bilios (Choreographer of Moulin Rouge!

The Musical). After graduating NIDA, Oliver moved to Brisbane to further his study in Musical Theatre, at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University where he obtained a Bachelor of Musical Theatre.

Not only did Brisbane give him a degree, but in 2023, he made his professional debut in “A Very Naughty Christmas” (Woodward Productions) at the La Boite Theatre and The Star on the Gold Coast. He has since gone on to work with Bluey on Bluey Live! (HVK Productions), Bearded: A new Original Australian Musical (Theatreworks), and Maybe A Miracle (Echelon Productions).

Anika Banerjee Anika was born in Sydney and moved to India where the introduction to Indian Classical Dance sparked her interest in theatrical performance. She relocated from India back to Sydney at the age of 15 and was in every production possible here are school.

After graduating from Barker College in 2023, she studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and graduated with a Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance

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in 2024. Anika is currently working as an Afterhours Drama tutor at Barker and has most recently returned to NIDA to perform in “A La Carte”, as part of the “Emerging Artists Festival”.

Harry Bartlett Harry recently graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communications in Media Arts and Production. Throughout his degree, he directed several short films and worked as a cinematographer, producer, and writer. Harry loved exploring all aspects of filmmaking and learned a huge amount through hands-on projects and collaboration. One of the highlights of his studies was spending six months in Toronto on exchange, where he had the chance to study film abroad and gain new perspectives on storytelling. Outside of film and theatre, he works casually as an operating theatre orderly at Northern Beaches Hospital—a job he’s held throughout university, and he is also part of a band with some close friends from his school days at Barker, which has offered a really fun and rewarding creative outlet.

Mia Heath

Michael Jones

Since graduating from Barker in 2020, Mia has been pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University and is currently in her final year of study, with a particular interest in child and adolescent development. Additionally, Mia works with Toolbox Education, delivering evidencebased, preventative mental health workshops grounded in psychology to K-12 students across NSW and the ACT. Theatre taught Mia empathy long before she studied it — the kind that comes from stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes

Michael Jones is a 2023 graduate of the Actors Centre Australia with a Bachelor degree in Performing Arts. Throughout his education at Barker College, he sought out every opportunity to act.

Being directed by Damien Ryan in his final school production of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’, in which he played the title role, widened his perception of what storytelling can be and cemented his desire to act professionally. Michael has been involved in multiple independent productions and is always excited to help tell captivating and important stories.

Joshua Merten After leaving Barker College at the end of 2020, Josh studied a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree at the Actors Centre Australia, graduating in 2023. He is now working as an actor, writer and director. He has since published a collection of poetry, ‘Harnett Lane’, toured schools across Australia and Hong Kong with Poetry in Action, is in rehearsals for his Sydney theatre debut in Qtopia’s August season and will be on set for his first feature film this week.

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Production Stage Managers

Executive Director Pia Midgley

Black Comedy Daniel Whiting

Alumni Directors

Eclipse Seb Con

Black Comedy Mia Heath & Harry Bartlett

Concord Floral Sophie Farrell

Eclipse Anika Banjeree & Oliver Clisdell Concord Floral

Joshua Merten & Michael Jones Set Design & Construction Dugal Parker Technical Director Harry Whale

Production Coordinator Karen James Lighting Oliver Porter Sound Joshua Weatherall & Alicia Winder

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Deputy Stage Managers Darcy Magnussen Louis Withford-Cave Taylor Whalley Props Hana Thomas Stage Crew Amelia McKenzie Amelie Streeter Saskia Volwerk Oliver Were

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With Thanks to...

Phillip Heath AM - Head of Barker College, for his passionate belief in Barker’s Creative Arts Deputy Heads: Ms Natalie Potent and Mrs Alison Binet for their ongoing support Barker Executive Team and Barker Council Barker Drama Staff for their encouragement, unstoppable energy & commitment to Drama at Barker Barker College co-curricular staff for their support and understanding Barker Communications Barker Print Department Barker Catering Barker Maintenance & Security The parents and families of our cast, crew and creative team for their continued support, patience and enthusiasm during the rehearsal process and performances

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91 Pacific Highway Hornsby NSW 2077 Australia

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+61 2 8438 7999 barker.college

June 2025