At Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, we see the arts and PSHE as powerful partners in helping pupils grow into confident, compassionate, and self-aware young people — especially during the pivotal Years 6–8, when identities are forming, friendships are shifting, and online influences begin to feel louder and more personal. Creative experiences in Drama give students a safe space to explore emotion, voice, and story, while PSHE equips them to navigate real-world challenges such as digital identity, peer pressure, and wellbeing in an always-connected world.
Last week, our Year 6–8 pupils brought these strands together during a visit to Freespace at the West Kowloon Cultural District to watch Likes & Lies, a new youth musical by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF). Through an energetic, relatable performance shaped by the realities of social media and self-image, the production offered our pupils not only an inspiring artistic experience, but also a timely opportunity to reflect on authenticity, relationships, and confidence — both onstage and online.
A Performance That Sparked Reflection and Conversation
Likes & Lies explored the experiences of young people living in a digital world, following characters who navigate friendship, identity, and self-image in an online landscape shaped by likes, filters, and expectations. Through lively musical numbers and honest storytelling, the production examined how social media can blur the line between authenticity and performance. It invited pupils to consider how online interactions influence the way they see themselves and the choices they make.
The performance also wove in real statistics about mobile phone use and the psychological impact of social media, grounding the narrative in issues pupils recognise from their own daily lives. Many students shared that the story prompted them to think more deeply about their digital habits and the pressures of maintaining an online presence.
After the show, pupils participated in a special conversation with Lindsey McAlister, Artistic Director and Founder of HKYAF, and members of the cast. They asked thoughtful questions about character development, performance processes, and the inspiration behind the musical. This dialogue helped pupils understand how artistic ideas are shaped, refined, and brought to life on stage. In the foyer afterward, pupils had the chance to meet the cast informally, creating a memorable, personal connection with the young performers they had just seen.
Together, the performance and the post-show discussion formed a rich, immersive experience: one that allowed pupils not only to enjoy a compelling story, but also to explore the ideas behind it and the creative work required to express those ideas with confidence.
Deepening Learning Through the Arts
The experience of watching Likes & Lies extends directly into learning across Drama, Music, and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education).
In Drama, the performance offers a shared reference point for thinking about how stories are told on stage — from the way performers express emotion to how movement, staging, and dialogue work together to convey meaning. These observations naturally support pupils’ growing skillset in interpreting and creating dramatic work of their own.
In Music, the production highlights how sound, rhythm, and song can shape mood and narrative. As pupils continue their learning, the musical elements they encountered will help them reflect on how music enhances storytelling and emotional expression.
The themes explored in the performance — digital identity, authenticity, and wellbeing — also connect to ongoing discussions in PSHE. These lessons encourage pupils to consider how online behaviour influences friendships, emotional health, and personal choices, creating opportunities for deeper reflection in the weeks ahead.
Through this integrated approach, the theatre visit becomes more than a one-day experience. It becomes a valuable learning experience across subjects and supports pupils in understanding themselves and the world they navigate.
A Meaningful Experience to Carry Forward
The visit to Likes & Lies offered pupils a chance to engage with the arts in a way that was thoughtful, challenging, and inspiring. It reminded them that creativity is not only a form of entertainment, but a way to build confidence, express identity, and explore important questions about life in the digital age.
We are grateful to HKYAF, Lindsey McAlister, and the talented cast for offering our pupils a performance that sparked curiosity and self-reflection, qualities that lie at the heart of a holistic education at WASHK.
As pupils return to their Drama, Music, and PSHE lessons, the insights gained from this experience will continue to shape their thinking, encourage meaningful dialogue, and inspire them to approach the arts — and themselves — with confidence and authenticity.
