THAT'S LIFE at Blockhouse Bay

Cinderella hoping for a happy-ever-after with Prince "Almost Charming"

The October school holidays saw Blockhouse Bay Primary School come to life with Kids 4 Drama’s annual production being staged.  That’s Life follows the story of Cinderella in full pantomime glory while being mirrored by a modern family today set in Auckland struggling to survive with all the costs of living today.

Written by Blockhouse Bay local and Principal of Kids 4 Drama, Stephen Dallow, the musical was written a few years ago but revamped this year with the addition of a full score and band written by Zyia-Li Teh.
A cast of sixty took to the stage and were very appreciative of the support from the local community.  “Staging a production is a huge undertaking so we always need support to fill our audiences, we were very grateful to play to good houses most shows”, says Mr Dallow.

Cinderella and her wicked step-mums and sisters

Kids 4 Drama has been running for 27 years in the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre offering weekly classes for ages 5 to 19.  This year the group says goodbye to five students who have been part of the organisation for many years - one student, Jamie Cottingham, now 18, saying goodbye after being with them since she was 4.  Mr Dallow comments, “We are a family not just a drama group, a positive place for teenagers to spend their time while working in a peer teaching model to the younger students”.

On the final performance Mr Dallow spoke to the audience, acknowledging Mental Health Awareness week and the importance of looking after our teenagers and celebrating the milestones and successes, no matter how big or small rather than always focussing on achievement.  He encouraged parents to find the right balance for their children between study, part time work and social activities that offer positive opportunities in their week.  He also encouraged the students on the stage to always speak out when things are tough and to know there are wonderful people in our community all here to help and not to judge.
​
You can find out more about Kids 4 Drama at www.kids4drama.com or email kids4drama@xtra.co.nz

Please support our advertisers. Without them the Beacon would not be possible.