Portraying teenagers dealing with self-inflicted angst, embarrassing parents, friends and frienemies should be right up the alley of Gloucester High School's year 10 drama students.
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So it's no surprise why GHS drama teacher, Scott Davis choose the modern classic tale of Hating Alison Ashley for the students' public production.
"It's one of the best youth productions I've ever come across. It's relatable, it's genuinely funny, it's got great characters with real depth and it's good for all ages," Mr Davis explained.
The production takes to the stage in the school hall for public viewing on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 and is based on the 1984 coming of age novel by Robin Klein which has been adapted for the stage by Richard Tulloch.
Mr Davis said the students have been rehearsing since term three and will take it for a test run in front of their fellow high school students before opening it up to the general public.
Adapted for a film starring Delta Goodrem, Hating Alison Ashley is a warm, wise and delightful tale about school, life, families and friendship. The play's main theme is tolerance and self acceptance, topical issues given the recent events around the globe. The story follows the trials and tribulations of Erica Yurken, a 12-year-old girl whose life is perfect until Alison Ashley arrives at Barringa East Primary School. As Erica strives to survive the embarrassment of her family and Alison's apparent superiority in all things, she learns not only to accept others for who they are, but also to accept herself for who she is.
The cast is led by Makayla Battams and Lucy Corbett, who will share the role of Erica Yurken, and Danielle Channon and Keira Macdonald, who will share the role of Alison Ashley. They're supported by Chloe Edstein, Felicity Fyfe, Georgia Harford, Natasha Murray, Amy Niddrie, Chloe Reid, Felix Snow and Courtney Webeck.
The show runs on Friday, December 13 at 7pm and Saturday December 14 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $4 and can be purchased at the door. The play is rated PG as it contains low level coarse language and sexual references.