Laura S (Year 12) and Piper P (Year 12) first performed Slipping Through My Fingers together when they were in Year 9. The girls remember choosing the song for the annual Drama Showcase as a form of manifestation. “I remember at the time we said to each other, ‘imagine if we got to do Mamma Mia! as a musical at St Cath’s,’ and now we are; and it’s our last one. It’s really special,” Laura shared.

Their journey on stage began back in Year 8, when the pair, who had only been studying Drama for a few weeks, were selected to perform in the Gala Concert for the opening of the Performing Arts & Aquatic Centre. It was their first time performing on stage in front of an audience, and both say the experience was life-changing. Since that first show, Laura and Piper have appeared in nine productions together, forming a bond they say goes beyond friendship. “I’d describe us more as sisters because we spend so much time together,” Piper explained. “We’ve seen each other at our lowest and our highest, and we share a connection from being in these productions that no one else really understands.”

I’d describe us more as sisters because we spend so much time together. We’ve seen each other at our lowest and our highest, and we share a connection from being in these productions that no one else really understands.

Piper P (Year 12)

Tonight, the pair will step on stage for their final opening night together as groomsmen in Mamma Mia! “It feels really bittersweet,” Laura said. “We’ve been performing for so long, and now it’s our last show, but it’s really special that we get to do it together.”

Despite the emotions surrounding their final production, the girls say they’ve loved every moment, from long technical rehearsals to quickly (and often hilariously) changing flippers between numbers. They’ve especially enjoyed the opportunity to step into leadership roles and mentor younger students. “It’s been great building deeper connections with the younger girls now that we’re the older ones they look up to,” Piper said.

She also appreciated how the show brings together students from across the school, with close to 100 girls involved across cast, orchestra and crew. “If you have a gift for singing, dancing, acting, music, organising people, or even lighting or sound, there’s a place in this show,” Piper added. “It really brings people together, and because it’s all students, it’s special being given the opportunity to share our talents in such a high‑end production.”

The pair agree that the exceptionally high standard of productions at St Cath’s has made them somewhat hesitant to pursue Drama beyond school. “It will be hard to leave something of this quality,” Piper said. “Our expectations are so high that I feel like this might be my last show.”

While neither plans to pursue performing as a career, both are certain that their time on stage has been transformative. “I used to be the shyest kid, but stepping on stage has been the most confidence‑boosting thing I could have done,” Piper said. Laura agreed, adding that although she has always been outgoing, she once felt insecure about that openness. “Performing has helped me embrace it,” she said. “By being someone else on stage, I’ve become more secure in who I am.”