​​​Heavenly Bodies was first published in 2018 with a second edition published in 2025. The following feedback is from some of the schools who have staged the play. 

 

"When looking for plays for my senior drama class - a Level 2/3 combined I like to try and find theatre that I think will speak to them, feel relevant, contemporary and engaging but also be rich and complex enough to meet the requirements of the performance standards. Heavenly Bodies ticked all of these boxes for me right away. When I first read the text I could 'see' it and I could see my students in it. The students enjoyed the humour and the range of moods and styles the play asks them to explore. They enjoyed the magic of the 'Fates World' and the physical theatre/ group chorus work. Everyone was busy, and whilst there are definitely some roles that are 'leads' I found the cast all felt involved and part of the action throughout. The audiences really enjoyed the production and were moved to tears, laughed out loud and engaged with the ideas and story." Vanessa Carnevale Waiheke High School. 

 

"My students fell in love with this text from the first reading and we have enjoyed every step in the process. The script gives you huge scope for production (could it work as a small studio show like ours – or a full school production with all the bells and whistles?) The story line was endearing and ‘totally relatable’ for our students, and it gave them the right level of challenge. Our students delighted in the Greek Theatre and Commedia dell’arte references and loved choosing the NZ classic love songs. All in all - this is a fantastic play to use in schools, a perfect balance of comedy and tragedy." Emma Coupar Wanoa - Marist College. 

 

"This year we were looking for a large cast play, which would allow collaboration with the Music Department, Performing Arts Technology classes and Year 11 and Year 13 Drama students. A huge ask – especially as we wanted it relevant for our teenaged students and with a New Zealand voice. Heavenly Bodies covered all these wishes – and more! A great play with humour, complex ideas and a beautiful message." Bridget Crooks- Kerikeri High School. 

 

"After reading many plays, I am so glad I finally came across Heavenly Bodies. My Year 11’s bought into the play from the first read through, loving the kiwi humour and the emotional depth of the storyline. This was also well received by the audience. My students especially enjoyed the chorus work and being able to contribute their own creative ideas throughout the process. Would recommend this play, especially for this age group." Amelia Ayres - St Kentigern College.

                                    

"This was a really playful and fun production to stage with the Year 12 and 13 Drama students. It also brings sincere and tender moments that teenagers can find connections to. It is well worth staging this production as there are opportunities for creative staging, physical theatre, and developing engaging characters. The story balances the ideas of fate and self determination with lots of quirky twists, but also gives us hope and courage. A great play for a larger cast with a variety of roles." Damien Jordan – McGrath. Hillmorton High School. 

 

"Having staged both Dream Seer and Harbouring Ghosts with my Level 2 Drama students, I was keen to do this play Heavenly Bodies by Kerry Lynch the minute I saw he had released it. I was waiting to have a class that would be able to do the key singing roles as the Fates. So this year was great, an amazing class of singers, some great self motivated people to create a dance.

With some strong actors to carry off the emotional depth and interesting characters, this was a great play to work with my class. The audience response was extremely positive. My only advice is make sure you decide on the songs early and get the rights for the final song Together Alone, and any others so you can relax and enjoy the process cos APRA are quite hard to work with!" Jo Matheson. Newlands College.

 

 

"Earlier this year we staged 'Heavenly Bodies' by Kerry Lynch and we loved it. The chorus work was enjoyable and the humour, use of music and dance also allowed students to use their skills and perform in different arts areas. The structure of the play as a whole was brilliant and suited our students and sustained their interest. It was also a pleasure to work with a play that has a contemporary NZ and teen focus."             Tina Carlson. Western Heights High School. Rotorua. 

 

"I am so pleased that I stumbled across 'Heavenly Bodies'. We are a small rural co-ed school with students from Year 7 to 13 and it can be quite difficult finding a script that is suitable for all ages, yet has enough depth for senior students and relevance to young people. The best thing about using "Heavenly Bodies' is that the students loved performing it, they enjoyed the comedy and could relate so well to it. I would definitely recommend the play to any school wishing to undertake it." Deborah Steele, Ruawai College. 

 

"I am currently in the middle of staging this play. My students are really enjoying ‘Heavenly Bodies’ and it has given them many creative opportunities, such as dance, commedia, gender swapping (they love that bit), music (the kiwi kind), Greek theatre just to name a few. It is written by a teacher with the curriculum in mind, but also for our youth. If you have a chance to do it, take it on. We at Linwood are loving it!"

Samantha Boyce-Da Cruz. Linwood College. Christchurch.                                       

 

"It was a pleasure to stage ‘Heavenly Bodies’ as our major school production. We appreciated bringing in the NZ songbook into the mix as it reflected a sense of who we are as a nation. The staging for our production was simple, with a connection to the overhead projector screen to highlight additional content in the play. We created a ‘heaven’ space for the Fates on a second level of staging, using fairy lights and sparkly material with the main action of the humans happening on the main stage. As a play ‘Heavenly Bodies’ has a strong and distinct kiwi flavour. Our audiences appreciated the storyline, which they found touching and humorous at the same time." Adrienne Hagan Te Aroha College.