This year’s production, The Strong Girls Club and The Change Makers, offers a fresh and playful take on the fairy‑tale world of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, inviting the audience to think again about what a “happily ever after” might really mean. It asks a simple but powerful question: if we could choose the future for our daughters, what would it be? The traditional fairy‑tale ending many of us grew up with, or something different? Perhaps a future where they grow up knowing they can shape their own destinies.

Director Mrs MacDonald remembers being drawn to fairy tales as a child for their enchanted forests, secret midnight adventures and the thrill of sneaking out into the night. The twelve princesses always stood out to her as bold and curious characters, determined to live life on their own terms, even in a world that tried to keep them in line. When she discovered this modern retelling, she was immediately drawn to the way it gently questions the traditional fairy‑tale ideas that have often shaped how young girls see the world.

While the classic romantic fairy tales still hold a special place in many hearts, it’s wonderful that today’s young women are also growing up with stories where girls lead the way and solve problems themselves. Films like Frozen, Moana and Wish celebrate courage, independence and strong female leadership, showing that heroines don’t need to rely on a prince to save the day. This production embraces that same spirit, celebrating friendship, confidence and the importance of supporting one another.

For the Year 7 students, who are just beginning their journey at Royal High School Bath, the message of the play felt especially meaningful. At RHB, students are encouraged not only to succeed but also to become “changemakers”, young women who feel confident enough to challenge expectations and make a positive difference in the world around them. Through this production, the students have not only brought a magical story to life on stage, but have also experienced the creativity, teamwork and resilience that theatre demands.

Over the course of rehearsals, the cast have grown enormously in confidence. They have developed their performance skills, learned how to work together and shown real determination when things have been challenging. Theatre asks for commitment, courage and trust in one another, and the students have embraced all of this with energy and enthusiasm.

As a new member of staff at RHB, Mrs MacDonald has been struck by the strong sense of community within the school. The girls are encouraged to explore their talents and be the very best versions of themselves, and it has been a privilege for her to watch them grow and flourish throughout the rehearsal process. She has also felt supported and encouraged in her own role, which has allowed her to contribute confidently to the school community.

In the end, perhaps the best fairy tale we can wish for our daughters is not simply a perfect ending, but the confidence and courage to write their own stories. And judging by the talent, creativity and determination shown by these Year 7 students, their stories are only just beginning — and they are sure to be epic.