10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry
May 22, 2025
10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry, 2025 Fairholme College Prefect for the Arts and lead character in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical.
What is your role in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical?
I have the honour of playing the lead role – Cinderella. I’m really excited to bring this character to life on stage.
Describe your character - how different/similar is she from you?
Cinderella is very head strong and always looking to make the world a better place, not necessarily for her own gain, but for those around her. I admire that quality, and she’s definitely someone I aspire to be more like as I move through life.
How do you get into your character?
To step into character, I try to fully imagine the situation my character is facing and try to picture myself in their shoes. Understanding how they would feel in those moments.
Have you had a lot of previous experience in theatre?
Yes, a lot of experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform in at least one musical every year for the past 13 years. Performing has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.
How have you found the co-production experience with Toowoomba Grammar School?
It’s been a great way to make new friends with people who share a love for the performing arts. It’s also fun to work with a different group of people who you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to work with.
What has been your favourite part of the experience so far?
My favourite part of the experience has been watching my fellow cast members grow into their characters. Seeing everyone gain confidence and get more comfortable with themselves and their roles has been really rewarding. Watching them come alive makes it all more fun.
Is singing and acting something you would like to pursue in the future?
Music is definitely a passion of mine, particularly singing, and I’d love to continue with it in the future. While acting isn’t my focus, I’ve grown to enjoy it through my theatre experiences.
What is the best part about being involved in The Arts at Fairholme?
Being part of The Arts at Fairholme means being part of a close-knit, supportive community you can rely on. No matter what’s happening in your school or home life, you know you have people around you who understand and uplift you.
Catch Ebbeny and the talented cast of Midnight: The Cinderella Musical on stage at The Empire Theatre 5-6 June. Tickets on sale now from the Empire Theatre Box Office.
More News…
Congratulations to Year 9 student, Mia Geise, on her outstanding performance at the 2025 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Swimming Championships. Representing Fairholme Aquatics Swim Club, Mia set new personal bests over the holidays in four of her five events and walked away with an impressive haul of medals and records. Her championship results included: > 4 silver medals in the 12-14 Years Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke > Australian Records in the Open and 13 Years and Under Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke (SB16 Category) > Queensland Multi-Class Records in the Open 100m Breaststroke, Open 50m Backstroke, and 13 Years events across 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly One of the standout moments of the championships was Mia’s qualification for three open finals, where she competed against some of the country’s most experienced swimmers, including two Paralympians and athletes who have represented Australia on the international stage. In elite company, Mia more than held her own, finishing 4th in the 50m Breaststroke, 5th in the 100m Breaststroke, and 6th in the 50m Backstroke. What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is the context behind them. Mia only returned to competitive swimming in December 2024, following an almost three-year break after undergoing her second liver transplant. Her results at this championship are not only a testament to her talent, but to her resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to the sport she loves. Adding to the celebrations, Mia’s coach Michael (Mick) Winton was recognised for his outstanding work at the Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia Awards, held during the championships. Mick was awarded the 2025 Multi-Class Emerging Championship Coach Award, a well-deserved honour that acknowledges his dedication and leadership in supporting Mia’s development over the past year.
Fairholme Year 10 students Georgie Cussons, Amelia Taylor, Anna Le Lievre and Claire Longmire are making the most of their exciting exchange at Oakham School in the United Kingdom, where they will spend six weeks fully immersed in British school life. From classroom learning and social events to sporting fixtures, the girls have wasted no time settling in and making the most of every opportunity. Also in the UK, Gemma Sullivan has begun an 11-week exchange at Bryanston School, where she is already keeping busy through her involvement in netball and the school’s swim, bike, run team. Cindy Deng is likewise enjoying her time abroad, experiencing the traditions and daily life of Rugby School during her own 11-week exchange. Back at Fairholme, we are delighted to be welcoming international students into our community. Joining us for Term 1 are Sienna Hoffman from Bryanston School and Charlotte Campbell from Rugby School, along with Mei Kawasaki and Rio Usami from Keisen High School in Japan. Each brings a unique perspective to campus life, enriching our classrooms and strengthening the global connections that sit at the heart of the Fairholme exchange program.
We are delighted to welcome Mr Rob Anderson as our new Head of Sport, bringing with him a wealth of experience across teaching, coaching, and sport administration throughout Queensland.
