Matilda JR

Matilda JR is a perfect youth musical, a well-known story with many singalong songs which is ideal for a large company with many named parts, and plenty of opportunity for the chorus/ensemble to shine. This was evident by the number of audience members you had enticed to watch the production. It is always a joy to see a family audience waiting with baited breath for a performance to begin.

The open stage was set up with blocks of varying sizes with Matilda JR on them on the lower level with desks either side and a table set up for a birthday party on the upper level. The flats at the back of the stage had vertical stripes of them alluding to bookshelves in a library. Squares of different sizes were attached to the sides of the flats and along the top with letters on them and the lighting was cleverly used to spell out ‘chokey’.  

The various sets were skilfully depicted by the use of armchairs for the Wormwoods home, a bed for Matilda’s bedroom and gates on trucks for the entrance to Crunchem Hall. In the school a PE horse was used when Miss Trunchbull took a lesson, desks and blackboards; one adapted to deliver Magnus’ message and books that were flown in for the library scenes, just a little point I did feel it might have been an idea to write titles; maybe Roald Dahl ones; on them rather than just ‘books’.  I thought the addition of the two swings in ‘When I Grow Up’ was a lovely touch and added to the lyrics of the song. All of the above with the addition of the blocks which are a notable feature of the production were expertly and swiftly managed by the cast and stage crew. I would just like to mention two members of the cast who moved a desk down from the upper level to the main playing area, they got themselves in a little fix but it was wonderful to see the determination they showed together by manoeuvring it together, well done.

All the props used during the performance added to the show and the iconic cake scene was managed extremely well.

The various lighting effects were used to add to the tension on stage and the sound track was set at an appropriate level. The sound effects used during the performance were appropriate and added to the enjoyment.

Time had been taken to ensure all those on the stage were dressed correctly. The opening costumes clearly differentiated the parents from the children and the uniforms demonstrated the school pupils. I would just like to mention here the little one who knew she had to get her cost off during ‘The Chockey Chant’ she had the audience transfixed because she was singing along and fighting to get her jacket off throughout to cover Nigel and she did it just in time, what a little star!  The Wormwood families stage wear had been carefully sourced to show their individual style right down to the footwear and it was great to see Matilda had been provided with two other dresses.  Rudolpho’s dancewear matched the over-the-top dress worn by Mrs Wormwood and the Escapologist and Acrobat stood out in their red.  Mrs Phelps looked like a librarian and Mrs Honey ditsy dresses added to her homely feel. But of course, the stand out outfits were those worn by Miss Trunchbull with her long-belted tunic, boots, long socks and wig which was transformed into her Olympic 1972 hoody and shorts. The hairstyles and the carefully applied make up all added to the illusion.

The songs in Matilda are well known and often used within school settings and within group performance setting therefore this show is an idea one for an audience to sing along to. Tim Minchin’s lyrics are often very wordy and delivered quickly therefore time needs to be taken to ensure all are enunciated carefully. You had obviously drilled the cast well and the text could be heard clearly except when the parents were singing in the opening number, this might have been because they were facing each other and looking up to the second level. The rest of the numbers were sung with the necessary feeling and energy.

The musical numbers were well choreographed and the children from the smallest to the oldest member knew what actions to do, whether they were pulling each other around or standing on blocks all were engaged. All the numbers were thoughtfully planned and the large cast self-assuredly carried out all the tasks expected of them.

The young actor cast to play Matilda, who I understand turned 10 during the run of the show, was brilliantly chosen and I expect to see her completing other leading roles soon. She gave a mature performance with the correct amount of cheekiness, fierceness, determination and vulnerability needed and on top of this she had fabulous voice. As mentioned before this show requires good clear diction to deliver the text and songs and lead the story on, this she did with aplomb.

The named schoolchildren all performed well. Eric displayed his fear under Miss Trunchbull’s examination and sang well. Tommy, Alice and Hortensia all good schoolmates of Matilda delivered their lines and solos clearly. Amanda spoke and sang clearly and looked believably terrified when Miss Trunchbull expressed her dislike of her pigtails and staggered convincingly when twisted around. Nigel has some great moments in the show and performed well especially when he appeared from under the coats. Lavender was Matilda’s best friend and there was true friendliness between these two young actors. The most outstanding of these schoolchildren was Bruce. I have seen this young man develop over different performances and I was sad to hear he has decided to move on, I hope he finds another talented group to continue using his outstanding skills. He transformed throughout the show, the cake eating scene appeared to give him more confidence and his voice in ‘Revolting Children’ was fantastic.

The Wormwood family created great characters. Dad was completely over the top both in costume and manner. He certainly did not understand his child and was totally mean to her. Mrs Wormwood also looked the part and didn’t understand why her child read rather than watched TV! Her scene with Rudolpho was brilliant, what movement. He complimented her moves well, what a wiggle he had.  The actor depicting Michael was monosyllabic but stayed in character throughout.

The character of Mrs Phelps the friendly librarian who fostered Matilda’s love of books was well developed by your player. She created a believable friendship between herself and the remarkable child and waited with bated breath for the next instalment in her tale of the circus performers.

The two characters of Matilda’s creation for Mrs Phelps both looked the part in their resplendent circus outfits. The Escapologist and Acrobat acted their parts convincingly displaying a committed loving relationship, they both spoke and sang clearly.  

The Cook may not have been on stage very long but your player looked the part and carried on the enormous chocolate cake placed it with relish in front of Bric

Miss Honey who is Matilda’s first teacher is a kind, generous, caring educator despite her desperate background.  To be able to demonstrate all the aspects of this character is difficult for an adult but your young actor perfected it. She showed her empathy with Matilda and grit when she had to approach Miss Trunchbull. Her outburst when Bruce finished the cake was brilliant to see! She gave an excellent and endearing performance her vocals were clear and strong and ‘This Little Girl’ was heartfelt. The cuddles between the players looked like a true relationship had developed and the iconic stance they both finished in ended the performance in style.

What to say about your evil, nasty, vicious, tyrannical Miss Trunchbull! Your actor completely inhabited the part. She looked right in the costume with an unbelievably small waist and correct hair and monobrow. She had the powerful stance and a great stage presence and got a thrill out of intimidated all the children and adults and making their lives a misery whilst she had the power but quickly crumpled when everyone turned on her. She spoke with clarity and had a sing/talk way of delivering her songs.

The Big Kids took a full part in the show but proved very useful on the stage when various items required moving around.

I would like to commend your ensemble they were all on point throughout the show and developing the skills needed to move onto larger roles later on.

What I really love with your group is that you can take 39 children from 4 upwards and create a sell out show of the quality that I watched. I realise that this doesn't happen without many people's assistance many of which are named in your programme but many more that are not. Manu congradulations to all involved.

 Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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