Scotch College

Boarders tread the boards

More than just a show, the annual Boarders’ Revue is a community event.

WORDS: Mr DAVID ASHTON

For every Scotch boarder aspiring to a stage career, or perhaps for those who just want to get right into a bit of good old-fashioned vaudeville and have a lot of fun, the annual Boarders’ Revue is a not-to-be-missed event.

Held annually for more than 40 years on Family Day weekend – when the boarders’ parents are in town – the revue packs out the Geoffrey McComas Theatre at the James Forbes Academy, which holds about 450 people.

It’s a big event on the boarders’ calendar. There are song and dance, skits, multimedia presentations and stand-up comedy. There’s also certainly no shortage of musical virtuosity, with this year’s revue including a piano solo by talented pianist Max Foster, a Year 11 boarder. It’s also an opportunity for some gentle fun to be made of boarding house staff.

The whole show is put together by Hill Activities Officer Tim Bence and Arthur Robinson House Tutor (and Head of Strings in the Music School) James deRozario. Importantly, with encouragement from Tim and James, the boys do almost all of it themselves. Two Year 12s compere the show.

All boarders are encouraged to be a part of the revue, either as performers or taking on backstage or front-of-house tasks. Particular emphasis is placed on involving the younger boys – the Year 7s and Year 8s – in what is seen as a confidence and team-building exercise. ‘Senior boys play an active role in encouraging and developing the junior acts,’ says Tim Bence.

Rehearsal time is usually brief – only about a week – and given that, the performers get things together very well. It’s all right on the night.

Tim says Friday night rehearsals are always a nervous time. ‘It’s not until this time that we have an idea of what we’ll be putting together for the revue. Friday night is mayhem, but 24 hours later there is always a show.

‘Every year we can rely on the standout musicians to provide a talent base, although it’s often the last-minute acts that turn out to be the crowd pleasers. It’s a great opportunity for our extroverts to jump on stage.’

He says a great addition in the past few years has been an annual satirical video piece from the talented producers in Arthur Robinson House.

More than just a show, the revue is a community event. As well as a chance to perform in front of a large and appreciative audience, the revue helps to build self-confidence, morale and team spirit, and is always eagerly awaited. GS