So, what is different about the latest musical stage production from Ararat 800 Primary School…the show called Once Upon a Time?

There is a line in this show which is reminiscent of a Bob Dylan song…’The Rhymes They Are A’changing’…and it is so very true.

This show was written – along with the music and songs -  by Lynne Bartlett, Mark Leehy and Kevin O’Mara and it’s being directed by Darren Beer.

It appears that ‘once upon a time’ in a land of curds and whey there is a Nursery Town. After Mother Goose takes a well-earned holiday, to visit the man in the moon, Mayor Humpty decides it’s time to organise everyone so that they can maximise their potential and stop under-utilising their resources.

However, the Mayor’s good intentions lead to the devious Captain Boredom escaping from his cage, amassing a zombie army and hatching an evil plan to take over the town.

Meanwhile, Nursery Town residents everywhere are mysteriously turning into cardboard!

Yes, there is a zombie army, but all your old nursery rhyme favourites are still there, but modernised somewhat.

I’m not going to single out performers because there are so many outstanding players and singers in this colourful and energetic production.

It shows the audience what lots of rehearsals can achieve, but it also demonstrates that it is not all hard work…that you can put a show together and still have heaps of fun.