SOMETIMES powerful friendships are formed in the most unexpected places. This rings true for Joanna Carolan and Pascale Wilson who first met and bonded over their shared habit of being sent to the Head’s office. Despite being in different year groups their mutual love for drama, tendency to push boundaries and not-to-mention shared birthday sparked a friendship that would span far beyond their years at Blackheath High School GDST. 

Since then, comedy pair ‘Shirley and Shirley’ have taken the crown as Blackheath High School’s funniest duo. The character comedians have performed their stand-up across the country including at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Joanna and Pascale have achieved tremendous success in an industry that is '90% male dominated'. By taking the female experience of motherhood, sisterhood and everything in between and discussing it openly, they continue to inspire girls and women alike to smash gender taboos, find their passion and excel in it.

Proudly drawn from our alumnae, Shirley and Shirley provide excellent role models to our students. Earlier this year, our senior students followed in their footsteps by taking the stage at the Edinburgh Festival for a five-star performance of Ionesco's 'Rhinoceros'. And with our state-of-the-art theatre, passionate teachers and determined pupils, the Blackheath High School ‘Queen of Comedy’ crown is for the taking.

Shirley and Shirley are performed at the Brasserie Zedel on Tuesday 3 December and recorded their live podcast on 12 December. For more information please visit the Shirley and Shirley website.