Lorne P-12 College brings aquatic creature to life

LORNE P-12 College will bring its own rare and endangered local aquatic species to life at its biennial theatre production next month.

Save The Pilkip will take to the stage on September 17 and 18 at Stribling Reserve Community Pavilion.

The 90-minute production will document the life of the Pilkip and the adverse effects luxury accommodation and a 100-berth marina on the Lorne foreshore could have on its future.

Phoenix Dixon (Peter Packer-Dump, Ruby Bloor (Queenkip) and Isabella Reynolds (Pilkip Polly).

The Pilkip lives and feeds in the calm waters of Loutit Bay in Lorne, occasionally venturing into rock pools and underwater caves.

The aquatic species feeds on crustaceans, small fish, shrimp, berries, flowers and lemonade, which aides their ability to sparkle.

However, unless its residents can save Lorne from development, the Pilkip and its habitat is at risk of being destroyed forever.

The production has been written, directed and cast by the student body, with assistance from Lorne P-12 College music teachers Amanda Wylie and John Waller.

Save Pilkip Lorne — School music teacher and producer Amanda Wylie, Phoenix Dixon (Peter Packer-Dump), Ruby Bloor (Queenkip) Isabella Reynolds (Pilkip Polly) and school vice-principal Michael Stone.

Ms Wylie said excitement was high heading into September’s production.

“We are very proud to be continuing our 25-year tradition of presenting a production completely created and written by members of our school,” she said.

“Save the Pilkip has been in the pipeline for about five years, and we started working on it officially in February last year.

“We cast all the roles earlier this year, and it’s continued to evolve and evolve with costumes and music numbers.

“We’ve been hard at work rehearsing at lunchtimes each day, and excitement is building quickly.”

Ms Wylie said the star of the show, the Pilkip, is sure to dazzle with its unique 3D look.

“Local artist Anthony Jackman has created the creature, first by drawing it and then casting it into life,” she said.

“I guess the best way to describe it to him was as a weedy sea dragon crossed with a ringtail possum. He’s completely nailed it.

“It’s already been taken around the school and many people in the community have also met the creature. People are starting to think it’s actually a real species, which is building the hype.”

Lorne P-12 College is expecting a full house for both nights of the production. For tickets, head to Save the Pilkip on the trybooking website.