Orewa College’s senior production Chicago wins two awards at the Auckland Live Showdown recognising excellence in secondary school theatre.

Senior production wins two top awards at Bruce Mason Centre celebration

Orewa College’s 2025 senior production of Chicago has earned high praise at the Auckland Live Showdown Awards, winning two major categories and receiving nominations across the board.

Held at the Bruce Mason Centre, the event brought together 450 ākonga, kaiako and supporters from 21 Auckland secondary schools to celebrate excellence in school productions. Orewa College was nominated in ten categories, including Lead Performer for Victoria Clark, who also took the stage on the night to perform Fly Fly Away from Catch Me If You Can.

Chicago was awarded Best Costume & Make-Up Design (Gail Boshard and team) and Best Dance Performance.

Other nominations included Lighting, Sound, Vocal Performance, Ensemble, Direction and Choreography (Sarah Postlewaight and Lachlan Buckley), reinforcing the kura’s strength across all aspects of theatre production.

Photo credit: Gail Boshard