This week has been all about Rock Bottom, a stage show performed at the Little Theatre by Awakeri School.

Rock Bottom tells the story of an ordinary Stone Age family of cave folk living on Stoney Street.

All is well until cave boy inventor Bobby Cobblestone comes up with his first good idea. He’s whisked off to work for the glamorous celebrity Lady Lava.

Bobby finds himself up to his Neanderthal neck in trouble when he discovers his new boss is hiding a dark secret that could rock Rock Bottom to its foundations.

With mysterious monsters terrorising the town and a volatile volcano ready to blow its top, can Bobby hatch a plan to save his family, his friends, and his beloved Rock Bottom? Only time will tell…

Awakeri principal Craig McDonald said he had thoroughly enjoyed watching the performances and was proud of what the students had achieved.

“The shows so far have been fantastic. I could not be prouder of our students and the staff who have helped get them to this point.”

The production also featured the school kapa haka group, who, under the expert guidance of Whaea Andrea Maru, performed three pieces to enthusiastic applause.

Auditions were held at the end of term two, and everyone involved has been working hard since, with deputy principal Louise Howard taking on the role of producer and director.

Mr McDonald said it had been an enjoyable learning experience for the students.

“They have loved being a part of this, and it has taught them so much about collaboration and teamwork, as well as the performing arts.

“They got a real kick out of being on the stage at the Little Theatre in front of a live audience and really delivered an outstanding performance at Tuesday evening’s show, Wednesday’s matinee, and we know they will smash it out of the park for our closing night performance.”

Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the confidence of the students, the impressive set and costumes, and the abundance of dad jokes woven throughout the production.