Holly’s Pathway: Through Theatre and Beyond
Spotlight, Stage and Self-Discovery:
When Holly stepped onto the stage in Year 6 as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical, few could have predicted just how central theatre would become to her identity. Today Holly reflects on a school life richly layered with performances, leadership roles and a passion for cultural storytelling—one that has shaped her both on and off the stage.
“I think it started before I even knew it,” Holly says, laughing, “Apparently, when I was two, I kept curtsying at the end of a dance recital because everyone clapped. I just didn’t want to leave the stage!” That early appetite for performance only grew stronger at Bangkok Patana School. From Primary Residentials and class trips—like the now-nostalgic excursion to KidZania in Year 4—to talent shows and musicals, Holly said her school life always seemed to revolve around storytelling and shared experiences.
Theatre, though, was the constant. “I’ve been in every single school production since Year 5,” Holly says proudly. That list is long and diverse: Created in Year 5, Shrek in Year 6, followed by a busy Year 7 with Hairspray, The Monkey King, and Ten Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse. Year 10 brought Wendy and Peter, where she played Wendy, followed by Bugsy Malone, The Crucible, and finally, Grease in her Senior year. Each performance marked not only an artistic milestone but a moment of personal growth. Of them all, The Crucible stands out as a defining experience. “It was different from anything else we had done,” she says, “It was a Senior production, so there was this unspoken expectation of deeper work. It wasn’t just singing and dancing; it was applying everything I’d been learning in IB Theatre—using theorists, physicality, vocal work. It felt serious and meaningful.” Holly relished the challenge of connecting academic theory to emotional expression, finding satisfaction in that creative synthesis.
That experience carried through into her IB solo theatre project, where she designed and performed an original piece based on the song When Will I Be Mine?, underpinned by Jacques Lecoq’s theories. “It was about feminism and gender inequality,” she explains. “But beyond the message, I learned how to craft everything from the lighting and sound to the tension in my body and voice. It was the most creatively independent I’ve ever had to be.” The solo piece demanded a full-circle approach—acting, directing, designing and editing. “You’re completely on your own,” she adds, “When you hit a wall, there’s no one to bounce ideas off. You have to dig your way out yourself.” That resilience, coupled with the technical skill she gained through editing and staging, added new dimensions to her understanding of theatre.
Outside of Drama, Holly has taken on numerous leadership roles: senior delegate, president of the HER Period Dignity club and co-president of the Arts Council. She’s also been an athlete, representing the school in netball and competing internationally at SEASAC in Singapore. “School life has been colourful,” she says with a smile, “When you say it all out loud, it’s like—wow, I’ve really done a lot.”
Next, Holly sets her sights on university, with Lancaster University as her first choice and Warwick as a close second. “Both programmes are very balanced between theory and practice,” she explains, “They let you shape your own path; whether that’s devising, acting, or learning about global theatre traditions. That’s what excites me the most.” A fan of travel and culture, Holly is particularly drawn to studying the heritage of theatre across different regions. “IB taught me that theatre isn’t just performance. It’s cultural, political, human. I’d love to study Greek theatre or Japanese Noh theatre if I get the chance.”
Holly hopes to pursue a year abroad or a professional placement as part of her degree. “That kind of opportunity is amazing; living abroad, learning hands-on, and then returning to finish your degree with fresh perspective.”
Whether curtsying on a toddler stage or commanding the audience in The Crucible, Holly has always leaned into the spotlight with purpose. “I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up,” she admits, “but I do know theatre will always be a part of it—whether on stage, behind the scenes, or somewhere entirely new.”
In her final year at Bangkok Patana, it’s clear that Holly isn’t just graduating with credits and coursework—she’s leaving with vision, experience and a powerful voice ready to take centre stage in the next act.
