Matilda The Musical Jr.

The Grove Theatre was packed when we arrived to see this performance.  Lots of Mums & Dads, cousins, aunts etc of course as well as children, all there to see this fast moving and well produced performance of this much loved musical. 

It’s always so good to see youngsters on stage obviously enjoying themselves because one never knows where this might lead in their lives - maybe in amateur theatre or even professionally.

They were all in good voice but I have to say that the backing track was a little too loud as some of the words didn’t come over too clearly from these young voices. I know it can be difficult to get sound at exactly the right level.

All the principal parts were well cast. Matilda gave a great performance in every way and her facial expressions were absolutely right, especially when she was doing “something just a little bit naughty!”

So many real characters in this show.  Unfortunately, there didn’t appear to be a programme so I can’t put a name to the characters but needless to say they were all played admirably.  Mr & Mrs Wormwood and Eric were certainly not the ideal family for Matilda and because she was clever and not a boy, they despised her.  We all hated Miss Trunchbull and her choky – super characterisation from the young man who played her.  Miss Honey was as sweet as honey and good performances from Mrs Phelps, who loved to hear Matilda’s stories, and the Escapologist and the Acrobat.

Great work from the scene shifters dressed as rather large naughty school boys – super idea!

I know how much hard work it takes to put on a production such as this so congratulations to all involved and I look forward to seeing more from the talented youngsters of Young EODS.

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