Young Talent Takes Centre Stage

For Feilding High School (FAHS) students Ruth Doyle and Ava Beaven, a shared love of storytelling led to Once Upon a Heist, an original theatre production that drew sold-out audiences and showcased the talent of local young people.

Ruth, who also works at Manawatū Community Hub Libraries on Saturdays as a Community Hub Experience Specialist, wrote the play and co-directed the production alongside Ava through Chuckle Club Productions.

Rather than choosing an existing script, the pair set out to create something entirely their own. "Students normally choose a play that's already been written," said Ruth. "I wanted to create something original that gave students the chance to tell a different kind of story."

Supported by FAHS drama teacher Mrs Harris, the project grew from conversations between friends into a full-scale production involving around 30 students in cast and crew roles. The production featured actors from Years 9 to 11, creating opportunities for younger students to build confidence and develop their performance skills. The story begins as a light-hearted comedy before revealing a mystery at its heart, blending humour and intrigue.

Performed at FAHS on 28 and 30 July, Once Upon a Heist proved so popular that extra seating had to be added to accommodate demand.

For Ruth and Ava, hearing the audience respond was one of the highlights. "We were waiting to see how people reacted," said Ruth. "Hearing everyone laugh at the right moments was probably the coolest experience."

A passionate reader, writer and storyteller, Ruth says her work at the library and love of books helped shape her creative journey. "Libraries are places where stories inspire ideas," she said. "This was a chance to create a story of my own."

From page to stage, Once Upon a Heist demonstrated what can happen when creativity, collaboration and young talent come together. Judging by the audience response, this was one heist that left people wanting an encore.

Surrounded by stories Feilding High School students Ava Beaven and Ruth Doyle turned their own creative idea into Once Upon a Heist, a sold-out original theatre production.