A Spectacular Performance of Jonah – A Fishy Tale
On Thursday evening, our Year 3 and Year 4 pupils took to the stage with an energetic and heart‑warming performance of Jonah – A Fishy Tale, the delightful musical by Mary Cliff and Kelly Fort, presented by arrangement with Out of the Ark Productions.
Inspired by the Old Testament story of Jonah, the show was packed with upbeat songs, witty dialogue and a host of memorable characters, including a charismatic talking crab, a flamboyant Spanish dancer and a hilariously mischievous crew of pirates.
Despite working to an exceptionally tight rehearsal schedule, the girls shone with confidence and spontaneity. Their charm and stage presence were so impressive, it was easy to forget that the seasoned “performers” captivating the audience were in fact pupils aged just 7 to 9.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the appearance of the magnificent whale, masterfully brought to life by four talented puppeteers, with Jonah clearly visible inside. The audience responded with delight to this imaginative and visually striking highlight.
The production benefited greatly from a wonderfully collaborative creative team. Miss Gilhespie’s vibrant and cleverly constructed set provided the perfect backdrop, while Mr Lawson Lean’s thoughtful stage direction and Mrs Cesar’s lively choreography helped shape a performance full of energy and visual flair. The ensemble was completed by Mrs Shaw, whose polished musical direction ensured the songs were delivered with precision and heart.
At the centre of this joyful performance was the show’s powerful message: that God’s love is unstoppable. This theme resonated throughout the evening, leaving the audience uplifted and marking yet another triumph for Prep Performing Arts.
The performance was filmed and can be seen, together with a full photo gallery, on Firefly by clicking on the link below: