Some people become such a part of a place that it’s difficult to imagine it without them. For the past 21 years, David Sidwell has been one of those people at St. Peter’s. As David steps down from directing our senior productions, we wanted to take a moment to say a very heartfelt thank you.
Over the years, David has taken our students, and audiences, on some extraordinary journeys. There have been helicopters and cars flying across the stage, a pirate ship rocking on hydraulics, a revolving Victorian house, and an entire cast roller-skating through Starlight Express. And who could forget the tap dancing on top of a replica 1920s Rolls-Royce?
These were big, ambitious productions, but David always had a way of making them feel possible. More importantly, he gave our students the chance to be part of something they could be proud of.
David brought more than four decades of musical and theatrical experience to St. Peter’s, including many years with the Hamilton Operatic Society and more than two decades teaching at Wintec. His contribution to the arts and education has been recognised with some significant honours, including the Freedom Holder of the City award in 2014, Hamilton’s highest civic honour, and Wintec’s Institutional Medal in 2019. When receiving the Wintec award, the then Council Chair described David as someone who “really is an institution in himself.” After 21 years of watching him work with our students, we can certainly understand why.
Of course, if you asked David what he was most proud of, it probably wouldn’t be the helicopter, the pirate ship, or the Rolls-Royce. It would be the students. David has always cared deeply about seeing young people grow, not just as performers, but as people. Some have gone on to careers in the arts, while many others have taken something just as valuable with them - confidence, friendships, new skills and memories that will stay with them long after their final curtain call.
And none of this happens because of one person. Every production has involved students, parents, staff and volunteers giving their time and energy, whether on stage, backstage, in the pit, behind the scenes or sitting in the audience cheering everyone on. David would be the first to acknowledge that.
So, David, thank you. Thank you for the time you have given, the ideas you have brought to life, the patience you have shown, the laughs along the way, and, above all, for believing in our students. After 21 years, even a standing ovation would hardly be enough to acknowledge all you have given to St. Peter’s Performing Arts.
Welcoming our new production team
While we will miss having David at the helm, we are also excited about what comes next for theatre at St. Peter’s. We are delighted to introduce the team who will lead our productions into the future:
Director: Fiona Greaves
We are delighted to welcome Fiona Greaves as our new Director of Mama Mia. As a registered teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama, Fiona brings experience in both education and theatre, including directing The Lion King Jr and writing and directing original school productions. She has recently performed Donna in Mama Mia, and is currently directing Peter Pan at Riverlea Theatre. She is passionate about helping young people build confidence, develop their skills and discover the joy of performing, and we are excited to see her bring that energy and experience to St. Peter’s.
Music Director: Catherine Polglase
Our Head of Instrumental Music, Catherine Polglase will be the Music Director. Catherine brings more than 30 years of experience as a music educator, conductor and performer, with a wealth of experience working with orchestras, ensembles, choirs and young musicians. Currently conducting Youth Orchestra Waikato, Catherine is passionate about helping young musicians develop both their skills and their confidence, and we look forward to the musical leadership she will bring to our productions.
Vocal Director: Anna Leese
Our Head of Choral Music, Anna Leese, Anna has an extensive background of performing lead operatic roles on the international stages, including many roles at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and for NZ Opera. Anna still performs regularly with the NZSO, CSO, APO and DSO, alongside her teaching. Anna’s main passions when vocal coaching are building a safe and healthy technique, reaching each student’s maximum potential, and building confidence and stagecraft.
Choreographer: Priscilla Leow
Priscilla Leow will take responsibility for the movement and choreography in our productions. She is looking forward to helping our dancers grow in confidence and take on new challenges.
Please join us in giving our new production team a very warm St. Peter’s welcome.
There is a lot to look forward to as we have plenty to prep during the school break, and we look forward to the upcoming Mama Mia Auditions in early Term 4. Audition schedules has been sent out, and please reach out should you have any further questions, issues or support.