Matilda Jr.

This is not an easy show for youngsters which included no less than 9 company numbers, not to mention a cast of 85 from as young as 4 years old, so this was a directional and choreographed achievement  in itself. The opening number ‘Miracle’ got the show off to a great start.

There was a good principal line up. Matilda played by Caitlin Evans had good stage presence and voice to match, forever having to correct her father that she was a girl, not a boy. Parents Mr and Mrs Wormwood played by Arlo Williams and Charlotte Fazey who both spoke up well, were suitably vindictive and unappreciative of their talented daughter. Maddison Hayes as Michael Wormwood was suitably gormless and Anjali Wharam provided good support as the dancer Rudolpho.

Matilda shared her love for books with the school librarian Mrs Phelps, played sympathetically by Eva Huxley.  I enjoyed the story telling, depicted behind a gauze, evolving around the Escapologist and Acrobat played nicely by Eva Morgan and Olivia Cawston.  But Matilda’s saviour was teacher Miss Honey played with a lovely pleasant disposition by Hollie Williams who had a very nice voice and sang ‘This Little Girl’ with sensitivity. Thinking she really had little courage but needed to support the talented Matilda, was well put over.

‘School Song’ with the full cast was a  strong number, and in every full company number the youngsters showed great discipline on and off stage including some who helped in changing the set. Referring to the set, there were a large number of scene changes and it was obvious a lot of work had been done to create some appropriate scenery and props. I really liked Miss Trunchbull’s office with the CCTV screens!

Ellen Fearnley, the overbearing Miss Trunchbull had great stage (and frightening) presence, forever admonishing the kids for no reason,  but clearly enjoying it. An impressive performance. Well done to Lilly Pitt as Bruce devouring the cake! (To my great surprise Miss Trunchbull personally gave me a large piece in the interval)

Act 2 includes the more well-known numbers ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Revolting Children’ clearly enjoyed by all, and I also enjoyed ‘Quiet’, sung by Matilda whilst effectively in the background, Miss Trunchbull was threatening the kids in slow motion.  The scene where Hollie (Miss Honey) explained to Matilda she was brought up by her Aunt, was well delivered.

A final word in respect of Hollie and Ellen who were in their final performance for Lollipop. Both have grown in confidence and in their performances over many years and I wish them well for their respective futures.

 

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