Matilda Jr.

This was the perfect vehicle to show off the talents of the young cast – many of them appearing on stage for the first time or taking their first principal/speaking roles. It also gave some of the senior members of the society the opportunity to get experience in the production side of the show taking roles as assistants to the director, musical director and choreographer. And everyone rose to the challenge magnificently! Young Kayla Nicol in the title role of Matilda was outstanding with excellent singing and acting abilities which never dipped throughout the performance. Lacy Moir as Matilda's friend Lavender gave a very assured and polished performance – a true Princess as her parents foretold! Another assured performance was given by Molly Rose Downie as chocolate cake loving Bruce – for a 9 year old she had a superb voice shown to its best in her lead in the “Revolting Children” number. Another strong performance was given by 11 year old Katelyn Webster as Nigel another of Matilda's school chums picked on by headmistress Miss Trunchball. Hannah Brown, one of the senior members, was superb as the vicious and intimidating headmistress Agatha Trunchball with a bearing and look that could quell any classroom. Miya Bowes, another of the seniors, in the role of the gentler but timid teacher Miss Jenny Honey gave a strong performance portraying well her struggles to protect the children in her care and her fear of the headmistress. Much of the comedy in the piece was provided by Matthew Smith and Erin Murphy as Matilda's inept parents Mr & Mrs Wormwood. Strong support was given by Libby Adam (Librarian Mrs Phelps), Niamh Sutherland (Escapologist), Morgan Hosie (Acrobat) and Sophie Brown (Dance Teacher Rudolpho). Singing and movement throughout the show by principals and chorus was of a high standard. Costuming was appropriate to the characters and the simple set of a series of white boxes worked well. Congratulations to everyone at GizGiz for an enjoyable morning and for introducing me to the world of Matilda and her friends.

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