Narrabundah College morphs into wizard school for dramatic new production.

Posted on 5 August, 2024

If you’re a fan of energetic theatre crossed with the legend of a certain Boy Who Lived, then you’ll need to book tickets to the upcoming production of Puffs.

Performed by the Year 12 Production class of Narrabundah College in close collaboration with the Technical Theatre class, Puffs (or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic) was written by Matt Cox and is a is a madcap and heartwarming twist on a very familiar wizarding story.

Students have been hard at work on the production since the start of April: rehearsing after-school, observing professional theatre productions, attending masterclasses from local theatremakers, and attending a four-day drama camp.  For many, the annual school production is the highlight of the year and the opportunity to perform before an audience caps it off.

The synopsis will appeal to all ages.

Poster design by Hayler Miller

For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

Wayne is an ordinary boy who just might be a hero. With his friends he finds himself in the house full of lovable misfits “Puffs”. Sadly, Puffs always come last, meaning it’s up to Wayne to set out on a quest to earn points, win the House Cup, and prove that maybe the Puffs aren’t so bad.

What the audience sees is wild and whimsical adventures filled with epic battles, puppets, magic, and the realisation that maybe being yourself is enough.

Head of Drama Rachel Pengilly praised the students involved for pulling together a truly professional-grade production.

“They’re funny, professional, kind, and so hardworking. They’re willing to try new techniques, take risks, and challenge themselves. This show would not be what it is without their collective drive to make a piece of theatre that they’re all proud of.

“Acting for a 10 minute performance in class is one thing; acting in a two hour play is an entirely different beast. Puffs in particular requires a lot of stamina, and a lot of energy. It’s been exciting to see these students rise to the challenge.”

Shafiq Herriman, who plays Wayne, said “Working on Puffs has been unlike anything I’ve done before. Being able to see the work everyone has invested into this project has been truly magical.”

The college’s students have done everything for the production, from designing the posters, photography, designing lighting and sound, creating choreography, doing stage makeup, stage direction, mastering props and marketing the production.

The season is limited – just three nights and a matinee performance with tickets costing just $15-25.

Main image by Liv Baker.