GROBS has been a feature of the St John’s College calendar since the late 1950s. It has always been a variety show that combines musical items and short comedy sketches to give students and staff a platform to showcase their writing, singing, dance and performance. The term GROBS seems to reference the work of cartoonist Don Martin, who wrote for MAD Magazine, but many of its origins are now lost in time.
It has set the stage for the revelation of magnificent hidden talents, as well as jaw-dropping guest appearances that leave the audience speechless, and this year's edition was no different.
Masibambane started the vibe with their wonderful Marimba players in Tutu Quad. Big School was absolutely packed, and the show was led by hilarious MCs Jack Crosse (UV Nash), Riley Elliott (UV Hodgson), Tom Roux (UV Fleming) and Giuseppe Stravino (UV Nash). The students wowed the audience as they danced, sang and played their way into our hearts.
The evening began with an elaborate set complete with candles and a dinner table as Mr and Mrs West re-imagined the witty classic comedy Dinner for One. We were then catapulted from one musical era to another as students from the Sixth Form, College, and the Academy treated us to music and dance items from Korea to Broadway and back home again.
The sense of camaraderie and fun in each performance was awesome. Whether they were taking centre stage or supporting their friends and teammates as backup dancers or musical accompaniment, everyone truly shone. We also got to see the cultural talents of our many sports teams, including Hockey, Football and, as always, our First Rugby Team. The new staff sparkled, and the prefects were appropriately inappropriate in impersonating the teachers. All-in-all, it was a fantastic night, where the audience discovered first-hand the secret talents and impressive skills of their friends and colleagues.
A little bit of history …
GROBS has been a feature of the St John’s College calendar since the late 1950s. It has always been a variety show that combines musical items and short comedy sketches to give students and staff a platform to showcase their writing, singing, dance and performance. The term GROBS seems to reference the work of cartoonist Don Martin, who wrote for MAD Magazine, but many of its origins are now lost in time.
GROBS has set the stage for the revelation of magnificent hidden talents, as well as jaw-dropping guest appearances that leave the audience speechless. There have been countless memorable contributions over the years, but certain items have become traditions. Every year, there is a Prefect’s Play, an item performed by new teaching staff and interns, an item that showcases the talents of our Academy students and perhaps the greatest tradition of all – the First Team Rugby Ballet.
