And what better popular spectacle to showcase after the long absence than the musical romantic comedy Bye Bye Birdie (a school edited version), based on Michael Stewart's book of the same name.

The show will be presented at the school's Chris Walkling Theatre building in Salamander Bay over four nights, starting on Wednesday, May 4, at 7pm, followed on Friday, May 6, at 7pm (where audiences are invited to dress up 1950's style). A matinee show will be performed on Saturday, May 7, at 2pm and finally a farewell show to take place on Saturday, May 7, at 7pm.

'Bye Bye Birdie' is set in 1958, where the much-adored rock-and-roll idol, Conrad Birdie, has been drafted into the US army.

His songwriter and agent, Albert, and Albert's secretary and some-time girlfriend, Rosie, hatch a plan for a farewell performance to take place on The Ed Sullivan Show, which they hope would help sell Birdie's new song 'One Last Kiss' and ultimately save Almaelou records from going under.

However, when Albert and Rosie head to Sweet Apple to prepare for Birdie's arrival, things start to unravel. Kim's father is starstruck at the thought of being on The Ed Sullivan Show with his daughter, and Kim's new steady, Hugo, gets jealous at the thought of Kim kissing Conrad on national television.

Of course, in the nature of all good musicals, everything resolves itself at the end.

Auditions were undertaken last year via Zoom and rehearsals in 2022 have been ramped up in time for the show's upcoming opening night.

Playing the lead roles are St Philips' students Saskia Maurushat and Samuel Harrop, two talented performers who are sure to have the audience's feet tapping and bodies swaying to the multiple music and dance scenes.

"I like to put on a show for the enjoyment of other people," said Saskia, who can add violin player to her song and dance repertoire.

"We also have plenty of fun along the way," added Samuel. "There is plenty of action and I'm sure audiences will go away satisfied."

Ciara, a musician who goes by the professional name of Keira, and Thomas, a keen drummer, say the entire exercise has been a valuable team-building exercise, which had allowed the students to build on their theatrical skills.

Tickets, at $20 for adults, $15 for students/concessions, $12 for children under 12 and $10 for impeded viewing, are on sale now at www.trybooking.com/BYGRM.

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