Bard behaviour from students as schools combine forces for Shakespeare show with a twist

Saturday, 25 July 2026

Frankie Waldron (Viola/Cesario), Brooklyn Bayliss (Countess Olivia), and Olly Kells (Duke Orsino) star in the combined Hamilton Girls' High School/Hamilton Boys' High School production of Twelfth Night.

Its most famous line is “If music be the food of love, play on” - but one of Shakespeare’s best-known comedies is getting a musical remix for an upcoming show in Hamilton.

Dozens of students from Hamilton Boys’ High School and Hamilton Girls’ High School are combining their talents for the production of Twelfth Night, which will begin a season at Hamilton Girls’ on August 1.

The oft-quoted play is getting a few unique twists for this production, most dramatically in the form of a contemporary soundtrack featuring the works of American pop artist JVKE, played live by a student band.

The adaptation, which will also upgrade the scenery and costumes to a sumptuous 18th Century setting, follow’s last year’s massively popular staging of Blood Brothers by the two schools.

Meadow Park also plays the Countess Olivia in the production, as part of the alternating casts, which have been dubbed 'Violets' and 'Roses'.

Written in about 1601, the plot follows the exploits of twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck off the coast of the Balkan Peninsula.

Viola subsequently disguises herself as a man named Cesario to get a job working for the Duke of Orsino - only to get entangled in a love triangle filled with trickery and mistaken identity.

In a move similar to Hamilton Operatic’s recent production of Matilda, the play has been “double cast”, with two completely different sets of actors and actresses taking on the roles on alternating nights.

“What makes the show so fun is its lighthearted humor,” said Hamilton Girls’ deputy head girl Frankie Waldron, who is one of the two actresses taking on the central role of Viola.

“Twelfth Night pokes fun at these ridiculously wealthy, aristocratic characters and their total absurdity, while showing that the people further down the social ladder are often the wittiest ones in the room.”

Some of that wit comes from a subplot involving the boisterous drunkard and conman Sir Toby Belch and the clownish Sir Andrew Aguecheek, who conspire to embarrass the pompous steward Malvolio.

But there is much more to Twelfth Night than just clever banter and frivolous follies, Waldron said.

“At its heart, the play explores every dimension of love - whether that’s love at first sight, unrequited passion, deep sibling loyalty, or the unexpected, fluid connections people form regardless of traditional boundaries.

“It shows how love can be both chaotic and entirely unconditional.'

Director and head of drama at Hamilton Girls’ Margie Wynne-Jones said the joint project would showcase “the incredible depth of artistic talent within our schools”.

Theatregoers of all ages - from young students encountering the tale for the first time to seasoned theatre fans - could expect a fast-paced performance packed with dynamic music, dance and plenty of mischief.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the Hamilton community to come together, support these dedicated young people and enjoy a fantastic night of theatre.”

Tickets for the show, which will run until August 8, are available through the Hamilton Girls’ High School website.