Stage beckons for former Narrabri High School students now in Griffith

The Courier is shining a light on the achievements of Narrabri High School alumni.

Mamma Mia, here we go again! The Griffith Regional Theatre are excited to announce the production of Mamma Mia the Musical, with the appearance of two former NHS students.
Isabelle Madden and Hannah Lonergan have both been selected to be a part of the team for the musical, with auditions and rehearsals underway. Belle will be playing one of the leads, Sophie Sheridan and Hannah has the role of assistant director.

The Courier reached out to both of these talented local ladies to hear all about the upcoming show and how they are feeling.

“It has honestly been such a whirlwind experience. We started rehearsals in April and the show starts in late September, so they are giving us lots of time to settle into everything,” Belle said.

“As one of the show’s leads I’m feeling quite nervous, but at the same time I am just filled with excitement.

“2023 and 2024 offered some amazing opportunities and I feel so lucky to have found a creative community that was so willing to welcome me in.

“The Grass Roots Open Mic Competition not only introduced me to some incredible people within the local music industry and beyond, but also gave me a space to challenge myself and push my boundaries.

“Without that opportunity my performance at TedxGriffith would not have happened, and I wouldn’t be working on releasing my debut song.

“I had some really amazing teachers and mentors along the way too like Stephen Bailey, Helen Conroy, Carmel Harvey, Julie Fawcett, Di Hall and Robert McDougall. They played really key roles in my development as an artist, and I owe them all a great debt.

“Being able to do this with Hannah Lonergan as the assistant director also feels really special – we spent so much time in similar musical spaces throughout primary school and high school.

“It’s like a little piece of home.”

This is Hannah’s first time being part of a production on the directional side of things and is feeling confident the show will be spectacular.

“Mamma Mia is such a fantastic show full of the iconic ABBA songs we know and love,” Hannah said.

“I feel excited to work with such a talented cast and produce a show that the Griffith community can be proud of.

“The production team is made up of local teachers, experienced industry members and the wonderful team at the regional theatre.

“Music has always been a large part of my life.

“I started learning clarinet at age nine with Rosemary Smith in Narrabri who privately taught me until the end of my high school days.

“I was very fortunate to have good teachers as a student which propelled me forward to become a high school music teacher myself.

“I am now in my sixth year of teaching at Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith and am hoping I can inspire the same kind of passion in my own students,” Hannah said.

More NHS student profiles to come in future editions.

Do you know of a former Narrabri High student (or students) who should be acknowledged for the achievement? Contact The Courier on 6792 1011 or email [email protected]