BBSG Main-stage: The Wizard of Oz

A runaway girl looking for her way home;
 A Scarecrow longing for a brain;
 A Cowardly Lion seeking courage;
 A Tinman hoping for a heart;

Together, they set off on a magical journey of discovery.

Since its publication in 1900, The Wizard of Oz has captivated audiences through film, animation, and theatre. Now, it finds new life on the stage of the BBSG Performing Arts Centre. 53 BBSG students and 10 teachers dedicated over two months to rehearsals, culminating in four 75-minute performances across two consecutive days - all conducted in English. This timeless fairy tale is also the journey of self-discovery and personal growth for these students.

Performance highlights and student reflections

Veterans v.s. Newcomers

"I play the role of a fake wizard, a con man - actually quite matches the real me (in building dramatic characters)," joked Holdwent Y (Y11). This is his second experience in the school's major production after The Addams Family last year. Musical theatre has become his cherished "escape" from academic pressures.

Holdwent (on the right) played the role Prof. Marvel

Angel Y (Y9), a three-year stage veteran, reflected on her theatrical journey: from the excitement of her debut in Scoundrels and Scallywags, to the pressure of playing the lead in The Addams Family, to a confident performance this year. “I’m happy when I participate in drama. I go on stage, forget everything, just become my character and act.” 

Angel Y (in green gown) played the Wizard of Oz

For Joanna H (Y8), Dorothy was her first lead role in a musical, and she faced many challenges - memorising long lines and dialogues, understanding emotional progressions, and staging each scene precisely. “It gives me the first knowledge of being an actress, things that I need to have for theatre. It’s really good for me.”

Like a mirror, the stage reveals the fears and courage, innocence and maturity of our student actors. 

At the end of the performance, the Wizard told the main characters that the qualities they seek - courage, heart, and brain - have always been inside them. They already possess the power to reach any destination if they believe. For our student actors, the stage is a space of belief - an environment that nurtures confidence in their potential.

Behind the Scenes Heroes

"Backstage work is way more exhausting than performing!" exclaimed Kathy Y (Y13) from the stage crew. From missing props to stuck curtains and tight scene changes, the backstage team handled countless challenges.

The entire show has 16 scenes, requiring seamless transitions throughout

Our backstage crew of BBSG students supported everything - from props and screen control to curtain operation and stage coordination. Some are experienced actors like Kathy, while others have been focusing on behind-the-scenes tasks from the start. Among them was Kevin L (G8), who said, “Besides making props, I’ve learned about screen control and lighting programming this time.”

Despite tight schedules and unexpected hurdles, the backstage team grew stronger in problem-solving and teamwork - truly the unsung heroes of the shows.

Backstage crew members waiting for next transition

The Evolving Main-stage Productions

In just three years as a founding school, BBSG’s annual musicals have evolved from small black-box productions to professional performances with nearly 200 students and staff involved both on and backstage (160+ students participated in Peter Pan last year). The increasing student engagement and whole-school dedication to Performing Arts demonstrates the Benenden community's commitment to A Complete Education.

The Wizard of Oz marks significant advancements in many areas, including performance length, cast size, technical complexity and more. We have around 12 musical numbers, and some of them are up to ten minutes long. 

I've witnessed immense growth in students' English proficiency and their motivation as they understand what it takes to make a great show. Through rehearsals, we are building trust and forming a true theatrical family.

—— Mr. Jake Lloyd

Director of the Wizard of Oz

BBSG Drama Teacher

The production team of The Wizard of Oz -  the Performing Arts Centre team

Whether being the lead roles or as part of the behind-the-scenes crew, everyone has found their place to shine while contributing to the annual celebration. 

At BBSG, Performing Arts isn’t an optional activity - it’s a cornerstone of our Future Ready Complete Education, offering students a platform for self-expression and cultivating lifelong appreciation for the arts that extends far beyond the classrooms.