Our recent school production of 9 to 5 was a fantastic success, showcasing not only the incredible talent of our students but also the strong sense of community that underpins everything we do. From months of rehearsals to the final performances, students across all year groups worked together to bring this energetic and meaningful show to life.
Here, some of our students share their experiences of being part of the production, followed by some amazing images and our programme:
Alma Shahar – Year 9
Being part of 9 to 5 this year was such a fun and memorable experience. From the very first rehearsal, the entire cast and staff were incredibly dedicated, and it really showed in the performances we put on. I’m so grateful to have worked with so many talented people and to have been part of such a strong sense of community. This show gave me the chance to make so many amazing friends.9 to 5, alongside all its comedy, carries a message that has always been close to my heart—women’s strength, equality and justice. Being part of telling that story, especially during International Women’s Day month, made the experience even more meaningful.
Finally, a huge thank you to Mr Messios and all the teachers involved—none of this would have been possible without you!
Hewad Baheer – Year 12
9 to 5 was a truly unforgettable experience in so many ways. The standard across all performances, and the contributions from every member of the company, were incredibly high—a true testament to the level of professionalism within our production.My favourite aspect of the show, however, was the support and care that each member of the company showed one another at every moment. We became a huge, supportive family, which is a direct result of the environment Mr Messios has nurtured and inspired us all to create.
The show is only half about performance; the rest is about creating shared memories that last a lifetime—crying, laughing and even panicking together, all while maintaining the professionalism instilled in us by our talented production team. We all had a role to play, and we rose to the challenge, allowing us to share a powerful piece of theatre with a new audience each night.
I am so grateful to everyone who made the experience so special, and I will never stop missing all the legends who will be leaving us this year. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime!
Jessica Follows – Year 12
As someone who joined in Year 12, 9 to 5 has been an amazing experience. As a bit of a theatre enthusiast, the school productions were a big reason I wanted to join, and it has far exceeded my expectations. Everyone involved was so talented, and while it was a fantastic show, what stood out most was the sense of community that was created. Each teacher put so much into it, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I genuinely loved every second and can’t believe it’s over.After the cast list came out, a friend mentioned “post-show blues”—how much everyone would miss it. In previous productions outside of EBS, I never really felt that. I enjoyed them, but once they were over, that was it. I expected this to be the same—but on the final night, I cried my eyes out.
I truly believe the sense of belonging and friendship created here, especially by Mr Messios, is unique. I’ve only been here for six months, yet I can’t imagine how it will feel in Year 13 at the end of next year’s show. I’ve loved it so much that I even attend most Year 12 drama lessons, despite not taking the subject.
Before joining, I once heard someone say that when you arrive at the school, it feels like you’ve always been here—I remember cringing at the time. But now, after 9 to 5, it feels completely true. As cheesy as it sounds, it really did create a kind of chosen family.
Poppy Smith – Year 7
Being involved in the school production was amazing and has been my favourite memory at EBS so far. There were so many highlights, from the buzz of performing to a packed audience to being part of something so big that was enjoyed by so many people.I also really valued the friendships we built over the six months of rehearsals. It was great to work with older students and learn from their experiences in past productions. I’m already excited for the next show and hope it’s just as good as 9 to 5!
Melissa Green – Year 13
Playing Doralee in 9 to 5 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at EBS. Taking on such a well-known role—made iconic by Dolly Parton—was both exciting and a significant responsibility, especially as this year we welcomed Year 7 students into the production.As one of the Year 13 cast members, I felt it was important to set an example by demonstrating a professional and positive attitude throughout rehearsals and performances. Live theatre can be unpredictable, and one memorable moment came during the Friday evening performance when my wig slipped off onstage—something I still haven’t quite processed! The way I carried on in character highlighted the resilience I’ve developed through my drama studies here.
As this was also my final show at EBS, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my theatre journey. Being surrounded by such a talented and supportive cast and crew made it incredibly special. Above all, I’m especially grateful to Mr Messios, who has taught me since Year 7. His guidance and encouragement have shaped both the production and us as performers, making this a truly memorable final chapter. Yeehaw!
