Sophie sails to the mainland to post a letter.

“I have a dream, a song to sing

“To help me cope, with anything.”

And so rang out the mature-beyond-her-years voice of Year 7 Karabar High School (on Ngunnawal land) student, Elsie Lindsay, and opening the first of four performances of Mamma Mia!

The hit musical comedy is woven around ABBA songs and is Karabar High School’s feature performance for 2026 staged at Queanbeyan’s main arts centre, The Q.

“Whoa ... it’s just like really, fun,” said Elsie before the opening performance.

Elsie is just twelve years old, but has taken on one of two lead roles, that of Sophie Sheridan, a young bride-to-be. Elsie is part of the school’s selective Performing Arts Classes, part of Karabar’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program.

Elsie arrived at school this year with an excellent singing voice. Then came the need to act, in nearly every Mamma Mia scene.

“I’ve learned to sing while acting, sing while dancing, which are big skills,” Elsie said emphatically.

One of her teachers is Alison Nilon, Head Teacher of Creative and Performing Arts and Mamma Mia’s Musical Director.

“Students like Elsie audition for placement in this HPGE Class where they study Music, Dance and Drama,” she said. “We really try to give real world experience to these students to give them the best opportunities once they leave school.”

“It’s a tremendous program really, and auditions for Year 7 2027 are open now.”

Karabar also offers HPGE classes based on academic performance, and Year 12 student Ava Trevarthen, who plays Sophie’s mother Donna Sheridan, is a graduate of that HPGE stream.

Before the first performance Ava is literally humming with excitement.

“I just love Mamma Mia. It has all these songs that are so memorable, songs that everyone knows and we get to turn it into this amazing fun production,” she said.

Ava looked at a range of options for Year 11 and 12 around the region, including schools across the border in the ACT. But she said Karabar High just stood out creatively and academically.

“I think the public education system is the best. We get to have these wonderful opportunities like Mumma Mia and have such a great performing arts program at our school,” Ava said. “We have Band Directors, Musical Directors, drama teachers, choreographers and they all just help you be the best you possibly can on stage.”

And Ava’s favourite song?

“I love Money, Money, Money. It’s my first song so the energy is really high, it’s just pumping,” she said.

Creative Arts teacher Alison Nilon smiles at Ava’s enthusiasm.

“We audition for the major roles, and Ava is very talented,” Alison said. “But anyone who wants to be involved in the performance either on stage or behind the scenes is included. I love seeing students blossom in this environment. Some really find their hidden talent.”