S’Cool The Musical Turns 45. Craig McLachlan on Handball Heroes and the Show That Still Hits
Celebrating 45 Years of S’Cool The Musical and Its Lasting Legacy
In 1980, a show was born. It was called S’Cool. Created by two high school teachers and performed by a student cast, backed by a seriously talented band of students and seasoned musicians, S’Cool was ahead of its time. The story tackled teenage life, peer pressure, identity, and growing up. Big themes, honest energy, and real heart. Forty-five years on, as we head into 2026, the proof is in the pudding. S’Cool is still being produced, on both sides of the equator.
I was cast in the original production in the dual roles of Nick and Nigel, though at the time I had my heart set on playing guitar in the band. Mr Patterson and Mr Pascal had other plans. To mark 45 years of S’Cool, I picked up a few instruments and recorded one of my favourite songs from the show, Handball Heroes. This one’s for Ian Dennis Patterson, Mark Pascal, the students and staff of what was The Entrance High School, and everyone who came along all those years ago. Watch the video below and relive a little slice of 80s magic.
