On Thursday 11 June, Botany Downs Secondary College returned to the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre at the Aotea Centre to compete in the Showquest competition with an original and entirely student-led performance titled When We Were Young, by Amelia Irwin 13D9, Tayla Penman-Gates 12J11 and Ivy Liong 13J11.
Our performance explored the following theme and intention:
‘When We Were Young’ explores the bittersweet emotions of childhood nostalgia and the fear of growing up. We follow a person struggling with adulthood, but they’re renewed by memories of childhood love and joy. Our performance reflects a desire to hold onto the wonder, imagination, and freedom that once felt endless, while recognising how moments like bedtime stories, playground games, birthdays, and friendships become distant memories. This theme connects to the stage where childhood fades and responsibility grows, as our performance expresses fear of losing comfort, creativity, and innocence, but finds strength in the magic of when we were young.
Through months of rehearsals, students transformed a shared vision into a compelling ten-minute stage performance that successfully conveyed this theme. Special thanks to choir members Chelsea Denis 11B1, Linda He 11E8, Pepper Jukes 12B1, Coco Ke 12D9, Jubilee Ting 13D3, and Jacob Wu 12D3, who performed Adele When We Were Young.
Also thank you to the band comprised of Coey Leung 12D3, Hannah Goudie 12S16, Chloe Pan 11B7, Sara Moussa 11B7, Emily Pan 12J5, San Choi 12B7, and Ryan Wang 11B7, who played Notion by The Rare Occasions. Their contributions helped bring the performance to life. We would also like to acknowledge our lighting crew, Clementine Zhang 12J5 and Luke Lin 13B7, our actors Annalee Killip 13B1, and Gabriella Spence 13B7, as well as our lead dancers, Charlize Chang 9D9 and Amelia Irwin 13D9, who portrayed the younger and older versions of the central character.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mrs McKenna for her support in making this opportunity possible and to Mrs Singh, Mrs Speed, Mrs Murphy, and Miss Brodie for supervising rehearsals.
Our team of twenty-eight dancers gave heartfelt performances and were brilliant on stage. We are grateful for their dedication and are so proud of them. Although we did not place, we were recognised with three awards for Dance, Music, and Technology. Amelia Irwin was also honoured with Whetu Rangatahi (Star of the Show Award).
We really appreciate everyone’s involvement, commitment, and drive that they brought to this year’s performance.
Thank you.
~ 2026 Showquest Leaders