Katikati Teen Wins Place on Globe Theatre London Tour

Katikati College head girl Hannah Gourlay has earned a spot on one of the most coveted performing arts trips in Aotearoa — a three-week international tour with Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand's (SGCNZ) Young Shakespeare Company in July 2026. The 18-year-old was one of just 24 students selected nationwide, and will perform at London's Globe Theatre, take part in workshops with leading Globe practitioners, and visit iconic sites including Stratford-upon-Avon, the Royal Albert Hall, and Rose Theatre.

Hannah's journey to London began back in April when she was named a direct entry into the National Shakespeare Schools Production after performing at the SGCNZ Bay of Plenty Regional Shakespeare Festival at Mount Maunganui College. She co-directed her play with fellow Year 13 student Manase Uilou to win the accolade. At the National event in Wellington in September, she was among 48 students from across the motu who each performed in three different plays.

Now finished with her Year 13 exams, Hannah is focused on raising the $12,600 needed to cover flights, accommodation, food and essentials for the trip. Fundraising efforts include a Variety Concert at Katikati College — featuring performances from the school's kapa haka group, rock band, concert band and arts department, with entry by open koha on the night. A Givealittle page has also been set up for those unable to attend in person.

Raffles are also under way, including the chance to win a hand-made korowai sponsored by Wellington-based Contemporary Korowai Designs — gifted to Hannah by her whānau (of Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa and Ngāi Tahu descent) when she was named head girl — and two 5 kg buckets of mānuka honey from Kiwicoast Honey. Raffle tickets can be requested by emailing hgourlay531@gmail.com, and online donations can be made at givealittle.co.nz/cause/get-hannah-to-the-globe-theatre-london.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).