Matilda Jnr.

Once again I was thrilled to be invited to see Matilda Jr by CAOS Academy. CAOS Jr are supported by many members of the senior group, many performing regularly but happy to share their time and experience in the support of the youth theatre group, after all today’s youngsters are tomorrow’sadults. The discipline and mutual respect learnt by working together in theatre will provide life long friendships and a valuable lesson in life.

The production team of Julia Palmer , Claire Clayton , David Clayton and David Nettleton had clearing given ample direction to the cast as they performed Matilda. The story of a young girl dreaming of better times, prepared to stand up against those doing wrong with an amazing story telling imagination. The stage is comparatively small but cleverdirection including using the auditorium provided scope for the performers to utilize the area well .I enjoyed seeing the direction given by David as he counted in the cast in their varying numbers and having the prompt offered support to any slight faltering of lines of which there were hardly any. Asimplistic backdrop of bookcases and a line of square blocks these being cleverly utilized in many of the scenes.

Matilda , the role many aspiring youngsters long to perform, today acted by Izobella Dawson. This role requires someone to both sing and act to a high level which you did with ease, You showed poise and confidence whilst playing out many scenes .Your solos of Quiet and Naughty both delivered beautifully well done. Agatha Trunchbull performed by Joe Cawton , the feared school head who really should never be near a school or children. Excellent powerful performance Joe, clear delivery of lines and great stage presence . I really enjoyed your rendering of The Smell of Rebellion, along with ensemble support. You had many great lines including … ‘To teach a child you must first break a Child’ .   Miss Honey performed by Faye Gregory the caring thoughtful teacher, hated by Trunchbull loved by the children, well done , some lovely characterization ,well delivered lines along with your solo of This Little Girl , a lovely performance. Mrs Phelps performed by Connie Jones the quiet unassuming teacher , a lovely part played well . Your hair ,glasses and general posture typifying the role performed ,well done. Acrobat performed by Ruby Gregory along with Escapologist performed by Erin Rice , well done to you both , some excellent acting ,well delivered lines .I really enjoyed your scenes in Acrobat story 2 and 3 along with Matilda, fun roles performed very well. Mr Wormwood performed by George Strutt and Mrs Wormwood performed by Annabella Lucas, what a great pair you made, the father aspiring to be the modern day Dell boy , wheeling and dealing at every opportunity , mostly with disastrous results whilst despising your daughter Matilda, continuously calling her Boy ! and along with your wife who also couldn’t understand her daughters love of learning and reading, knocking her down at every chance, whilst almost disregarding your son Michael Greenwood performed by Blake Daniels , well done to you both, you worked well together very convincingly.  Blake Daniels, playing the simple non fazed son, head down with clever delivery of mostly single words … backward … lovely cameo role.

Rudolpho by  Ben Ingrosso, Mechanic by Lily Thompson and Sergei/Cook by Isobel Chandler , three smaller cameo roles all played well with some great stage presence , really enjoyable performances. This show was full of memorable scenes, I really enjoyed the work utilizing the lettered boxes, the dances were all well thought out and delivered well. The ensemble, Little Kids and Big Kids whilst not being individually named all remained in character well , great singing and dancing ,lots of great facial expression, you should all be proud of your performance.

The costumes were well thought out , the lighting cleverly delivered and music by David played at a level allowing the sung word to be heard along with the music clearly. 

Thank you for your hospitality and allowing me to share a few minutes on stage with your lovely cast , I look forward to seeing you all in Oliver

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