ADAPTED and directed by drama educator Samantha MacDonald, with musical direction by Mervyn Bartholemew and choreography by Hillcrest High School (HHS) past pupil Kaelyn Stainer, the 2025 play production, Lights, Camera … Panic! was a resounding success.

Throughout the performance, which ran for five consecutive nights, audience members found themselves in fits of hysterics, fully engaged in the complicated twists and turns of the unfolding plot.

The storyline follows the journey of an amateur drama society as they attempt to stage a classic “whodunnit” murder mystery.

“From the moment the curtain rises, disaster strikes – and keeps on striking,” said MacDonald.

“Props vanish, lines are forgotten, scenery collapses, actors get injured, and the chaos escalates into a full-blown farce. Through it all, they cling desperately to the somewhat misguided mantra ‘the show must go on!’.”

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On top of the mayhem, due to a scheduling clash, the cast must share the stage with a dazzling dance company, with the cameo role of dance choreographer played by HHS geography educator Saurav Silochan.

The dance company delivers a sparkling performance, a direct contrast to the grim tone of the murder mystery unfolding.

Delivering the final act of their high school career, the only two female cast members, Zofia Giorko and Isabella Traini, did not disappoint, handling the transitions between their dual roles with conviction.

“Casting this play with only two female actors was incredibly challenging,” said MacDonald. “We have so many talented learners at this school, and the audition process is always my least favourite task – breaking hearts is never easy!”

At the final performance MacDonald thanked the cast, the slick backstage crew and audio visual team, as well as the drama department who supported her throughout the auditions, rehearsals, and on show nights.

“To Ms Giorko – thank you for stepping in to keep things running seamlessly when I needed to spend time away,” MacDonald said. “Mr Bartholemew, my rehearsal ride-or-die, thank you for showing up with your love and passion for theatre and helping to bring this show to life. A huge thank you to your dedicated AV Club who ensured that our sound and lighting were top-notch and that everything ran smoothly every night.”

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