Daisy Pulls It Off by Denise Degan

Daisy Pulls It Off is a fast-paced production about schoolgirl innocence. The heroine of the story is Daisy Meredith, played with conviction by Bridie Rawlins, who arrives at snobby Grangewood College on a scholarship. Daisy immediately attracts enemies in Sybil (Natalie Day) and Monica (Stephanie Lambourne). She also recruits a good friend in Trixie (Sarah Broomhall). The two then overcome many obstacles in their quest to find acceptance.
Director Lillian Field opted for a minimal set to cater for the many scene changes, which were well handled by stage manger Paul Hubner and his hard-working crew.
The large cast, with some playing musical instruments, brought the script to life with energy and skill. One of the few adult performers, Donna Wilkinson, gave an eye-catching performance as the domineering Miss Gibson, as did Gillian Charlesworth as Alice, Genevieve Kruyssen as Clare, Holly Panigas as Belinda and Ronita Scharma as the articulate narrator. The versatile Natalie Day and Stephanie Lambourne were perfect as school bullies, enabling Bridie Rawlins and Sarah Broomhall to shine as the persecuted heroines who finally pull it off.
Ken Cotterill