On Friday 11 July, a talented group of Y7-10 students at Medina College staged an energetic and heartfelt production of The Greatest Show in the drama studio. They delivered a vibrant tribute to the spirit of showmanship and inclusivity. The show, based on the hit film, showcased the students’ impressive dedication to both performance and technical execution following an intense week of acting, singing and dance rehearsals.

From the opening number of “A Million Dreams”, to the closing song, “The Greatest Show,” the cast filled the performance space and dazzled the full-house audience with their infectious enthusiasm. The choreography was tight and ambitious, especially considering the limited rehearsal time. The ensemble’s energy kept the audience captivated throughout, making the big-top-feel come alive.

All the principal roles gave stand-out performances. P.T. Barnum, played by Millie, had a charismatic presence and her vocal strength anchored the production. She skillfully balanced the character’s ambition and his vulnerability, adding depth to what can sometimes be a one-dimensional role. The role of his wife Charity, played by Avalon, was delivered with genuine emotion and beautiful vocals, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The supporting cast shone equally as brightly, particularly the actors portraying the “freak show” performers. Their commitment to celebrating uniqueness resonated strongly in the poignant anthem “This Is Me,” which felt like the heart of the production. This was led by Chay, who played the bearded songstress, Lettie. Vocally, she delivered solid and clear singing, particularly shining in moments where Lettie’s individuality was celebrated. She showed a strong connection to the theme of self-acceptance that the character embodies, making her rendition of “This Is Me” feel heartfelt and sincere. From the moment Lettie stepped on stage, her presence was magnetic and her physicality and expressive facial gestures added authenticity and humor, helping the character stand out even in large ensemble scenes. 

The portrayal of Phillip Carlyle by Tyler also stood out as one of the evening’s highlights. Tyler brought a strong blend of charm, vulnerability, and growth to the role, successfully capturing Phillip's journey from a guarded aristocrat to a passionate believer in Barnum’s dream. Tyler embodied Phillip’s sophistication and hesitancy. His posture and diction conveyed the character's upper-class background, yet there was a noticeable tension beneath the surface that hinted at his desire for more than the life he’d inherited, adding a real depth to the performance.

The chemistry between Phillip and Anne Wheeler (played by Latia) was particularly convincing. Their duet, “Rewrite the Stars,” was both heartfelt and technically strong, with the emotional tension between them palpable. They both handled the romantic scenes with sensitivity, showing their inner conflict as well as his growing courage. Since our last show, High School Musical, the progress made by these two characters in singing, dancing and acting was clear and they both maintained strong connections with each other and the audience throughout the whole show.

Jenny Lind was portrayed by Keryn with elegance and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Keryn took on the challenge of playing one of the show's most complex characters—a poised international star with a hidden vulnerability—and did so with notable maturity. From the moment Jenny Lind made her entrance, there was a commanding presence on stage. The actor carried herself with the poise and grace expected of a world-renowned opera singer, using subtle body language and expression to portray both confidence and isolation. The performance of “Never Enough” was a clear highlight. Vocally, it was delivered with strong control and impressive emotion, drawing the audience into Jenny’s inner world. The performer didn't just sing beautifully—she told a story through the song, conveying longing, ambition, and perhaps a deeper yearning for connection.

What made Keryn’s portrayal even more compelling was how she handled Jenny’s dynamic with P.T. Barnum. Rather than playing her as a one-dimensional rival or romantic interest, the performance suggested a layered character: someone used to admiration but surprised—and eventually hurt—by Barnum’s emotional distance. 

While the spotlight often shines on the main characters, the minor roles in this school’s production of The Greatest Show brought energy, detail, and heart that truly enriched the overall performance. These supporting players helped build the world of the show, adding layers of authenticity, humour, and emotion that made each scene feel full and alive.

The ensemble of circus performers—each with their own distinct character—deserve special recognition. From the tattooed man (Toby) and the dog-boy (Oscar) to Charles the Dwarf (Keaton) and the Lord of Leeds (Emily) every performer embraced their unique role with confidence and commitment. Their creative costumes and expressive acting brought vibrancy to Barnum’s circus, especially during numbers like “Come Alive” and “This Is Me.” Even without hundreds of lines, their presence told a story and added depth to the spectacle.

Smaller speaking roles, such as James Bennett the theatre critic, the wealthy patrons and ballet parents, O’Mally (handled with quit wit and perfect comedy timing by Evie) and the hilarious scenes at Buckingham Palace involving the Queen and her able assistant, Penelope, were delivered with clarity, humour and purpose. These characters helped drive the plot forward and added important dynamics between scenes. The critic, in particular, gave a really convincing performance and was a fun character to watch—delivered with just the right amount of sarcasm and sharpness. Many students had multiple roles to play and their precise timing, enthusiastic choreography, and clear effort showed how important every cast member was to the overall success of the show.

Though they may not have had centre stage all the time, the minor characters were essential to the magic of this production. Their enthusiasm, attention to detail, and teamwork helped elevate the show from a performance to a full theatrical experience.

Mrs Tennant and Mr Wiseman mastered the lighting desk and smooth transitions gave the show pace and context. Mr Wiseman on piano, Mr Winsor on Guitar, Sienna on percussion and Mrs Brear directing vocals were able to shift between bold, driving beats and softer, more reflective moments, adding a professional polish to the production and supporting the actors beautifully. Though the set was minimalistic, clever use of props and imaginative staging compensated well.

This Greatest Showman was a joyous celebration of talent, diversity, and the power of dreams — a truly memorable night for both cast and audience alike.