Matilda Jr.

Very warmly welcomed by Sally, Richard and the whole front of house, in an foyer full of excited parents and siblings, I took my seat and settled in for what I hoped would be a good evening's entertainment. I was not to be disappointed. This was the first performance by the fledgling Spot On Youth whose age range was five to sixteen. An open set greeted me with a simple backdrop cloth of multiple squares each with their own very colourful letters laid out in rows and columns, accompanied by side flats of the same layout with a table centre stage set up for a birthday party.

The lights dimmed and we were greeted by two colourful clowns with birthday balloons in full colourful clown costumes. The music started and away the cast went. From the start they were confident and enthusiastic. Obviously well- rehearsed by Alick Leach as the Director and Abbie Jennings as choreographer. They were well drilled, on time and each individual knew exactly where they were supposed to be and at what time. The choreography was inventive, but never looked over complicated and were very enjoyable especially Miracle, Bruce, When I grow up and Revolting Children (I especially liked the use of the four swings at the beginning of Act 2). The Musical Director Martin Bennetts had obviously worked hard with the cast, and I'm sure with a sometimes challenging score but the standard of singing from both cast and principals, to a recorded track (never an easy thing), was of a very very good standard. The diction from the principal line and chorus was clear and you could follow the story well. The costumes, and very many of them, were colourful and fitted each part (and member) well. With two teams (Red and Blue) and an overall cast of thirty seven this couldn't have been easy. Well done to Mandy Harrison and her team. The lighting design and effects by Matt lemon, were also very good and added to the overall show. 

Tonight was the Red team, with Laila-Rose Berry as Matilda leading from the front with an assured, entertaining performance. She was ably backed up by Jaden Pettyfer as Agatha Truchball with menace and good comic timing. Good performances by Immy Perrin as Miss Honey, Liv Harder and Erica Whittlestone as the Wormwoods, Noah Clayton-Hart as the cake eating Bruce and Steph Palmer as Mrs Phelps the Librarian. In fact the whole cast were of a high standard, and too numerous to mention. The show moved at a pace and the scene changes (trucks on wheels) were carried out, in the main, by the cast, thereby keeping blackouts to a minimum. Given the age range of this youth theatre, this was a polished performance, and there was some new and exciting talent on show and coming up through the ranks. A more than creditable performance here from a young and talented group. Well done Alick, Abbie, Martin and the crew a very enjoyable evening thank you.

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