Matilda Jnr

     

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Director  Gabrielle Tyler and was able to discuss the production with her then and again after the performance. She explained that she was making her debut as Director and that she had taken over this group in April 2023.

This large auditorium was almost full with an enthusiastic and responsive audience. The large (35)  cast were all aged between 5 and 18 years old and some had not performed on stage before.

The colourful set was designed and built by Stephen Elam and consisted of panels showing letters of the alphabet and a separate panel showing books which changed the scene to the school library. Other than desks, chairs and Matilda’s bed there were few props used and, apart from a couple of instances of delay, scenes were changed efficiently.

Costumes were very appropriate including school uniforms and mostly sourced locally. Sound levels were just right with music provided by backing tracks. To the cast’s credit everyone was in time with the music and the vocal arrangements were clearly devised to cope with the range of  ability on stage..

Without exception all the cast performed their roles very well indeed and were obviously carefully cast and well rehearsed. The show moved along at a good pace and there was plenty of energy and enthusiasm displayed on stage.

Eliza Cole ,as Matilda was precocious with a good stage presence and strong vocals.  Tristan Mathieson-Stott, playing Miss Trunchbull was perfect in the role .He was forthright, powerful and with nasty mannerisms displaying a real hatred of children! However as he strode around  there was such exaggeration in the role that he was also very funny!  Queenie Hamilton, as Miss Honey was caring and mild and very supportive and sympathetic to Matilda and her solo was lovely. 

I loved the pairing of the Wormwoods, Zac Higgleton as Mr and  Violet Fowler as Mrs. who were very convincing and had strong acting skills. Giovanni Alldred as Bruce Bogtrotter aced as a lovable rascal and had enormous energy and stage presence. His acting and vocal skills were confidently displayed. Mia Grant had a lovely role as Matilda’s friend whilst Willow Cross played the helpful librarian Mrs Phelps. Katie French showed good acrobatic skills whilst Aaron Lee played the escapologist. Good acting, vocals and movement were clearly demonstrated by Lillia Weaver ( Amanda Thripp), Beau Constantine( Nigel/Michael), Isabella Dunlop( Hortensia), Florence Andrews ( Eric), Lexie Grint ( Alice),and Phoebe Grant( Tommy). In addition there were a number of very small roles and a confident ensemble.

It was wonderful to see so much young and confident  talent on stage throughout and  achieving such high standards..Much of this success is due to the talented and dedicated Director and team. Gabrielle Tyler has certainly proved her ability to direct and I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

My congratulations to everyone involved in any way including the many members of the production team and crew.  A very successful performance.

 

 

 

 

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