As of Friday, the 2nd of May, Dunstan High School’s senior drama students have finished with Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death. This cast of 16 have been working hard since March the 2nd to prepare this phenomenal comedy-murder-mystery play. It lasted for a total of just under two hours, all directed by Mr Meissel, our star drama teacher here at Dunstan. Also contributing to this amazing show was Lexi Hickmott (our lighting expert), Yogeeta Maisuria (our costume and sound person) and many, many parents and high school students helping to waitress for our incredible audience.
Even though the show was originally just a way to raise money for the 2027 Drama Trip to either America, Europe, or Asia, it is now mainly thought of as a bonding experience for all the cast and crew that will be going on that trip. - Abigail Conradie Year 11
Just last week, myself and an excellent selection of Dunstan’s senior drama students performed Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, a three act play written by M. C. Beaton and adapted by Joseph Robinette, for the public. We performed three nights in the Alexandra Community Centre and we were very pleased with the audience turnout and the amount of engagement we received every night!
I had the privilege of playing the role of Agatha Raisin in the play, which was challenging at times, but overall an extremely rewarding experience. Myself and the rest of the cast worked under the direction of the wonderful Mr Meissel from late February in order to be ready to perform by the 29th of April (our opening night). I am beyond proud of our cast of 16 and our backstage, lighting, costume and sound crew for all the hard work they put into the performance in order to make our little show one to remember.
The purpose of putting on Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death was actually to raise funds for the 2027 Senior Drama Tour: a group of our very own students going abroad to experience the dramatic arts in a context outside of New Zealand. We had many keen volunteers from their fundraising group helping out in the kitchen and serving food and drinks to our audience each night, as the performance was technically dinner theatre. Some of the students going on the 2027 trip were even acting in the show itself!
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the cast of Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death: Chris Bischoff, Chase Weir, Henry August, Boston Irving-Dowling, Lettie Pomarie-Morris, Charlotte Taylor, Izzy Smith, Liv Delport, Adeline Ball, Eli Knights, Lochy Hawkins, AJ Hart, Makayla Gare, Kate Brown, and Abigail Conradie.
And of course to the fabulous Mr Meissel, without him we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere!
I’m looking forward to working with you all again, which will be very soon for some of you, with the upcoming school production of Annie!
Ngā Mihi Nui,
Elsie Jack Year 12
