Matilda Jr

What a fine example of Community Theatre showing a huge amount of work combining teamwork, passion and enjoyment of all the youngsters. The opening number Miracle where the future school friends of Matilda appeared from everywhere even under a table and very clever rotating of the blocks around the stage got the show off to an excellent start.

Playing Matilda, Jorgie Chapman captured the character very well contrasting the spirit of the girl who stands up for right with the girl who likes reading and storytelling.

The dreadful Wormwood family, Dad (Eddie Lee) used car salesman, Mum (Rowan Kelly) self centred glamour puss and son Michael (Doug Wilson) ipad obsessed brought laughs from the audience especially when Matilda played her tricks on Dad.

A visit to the Library brought Matilda in touch with Mrs Phelps (Lilia Whitworth) who was fond of Matilda’s stories and The Acrobat (Isla Harrahan) and Escapologist (Maisie Lee) came to life to act out the story with some beautiful acting and dancing.

All the schoolchildren were excellent but I particularly liked Bruce (Ruben Howard) being forced to eat a whole Chocolate cake and starting my favourite number Revolting. Other named children were Lavendar (Poppy Kendall), Amanda (Darcey Clarke), Nigel (Emilie Duke-Cory), Eric (Oliver Plowman), Tommy (Jessica McNally), Alice (Angelina Joseph) and Hortensia (Grace Howard) but all the children involved gave their best.

Miss Honey (Lucia Joseph) a lovely character, sweet and kind and I wish teachers at my school had been like her. In contrast  Miss Trunchbull, well played by Tilly Farman, a bully and sadistic headmistress brought back memories of my teacher in last year of Junior School so I cheered when she ran off on seeing the magic writing on the Blackboard. I liked the comedy she brought in The Hammer.

Scene changing was done seamlessly under the direction of Stage Manager Thea Farman and crew. The sets done with projection were fitting to the show, Musical Director Rachel Pegg, The Costume team, Lighting and Sound brought sparkle to the Production.

All the cast had worked hard to produce a high standard of performance.

Well done to Director Stephen Wrathall and Choreographer Gina Bingham for bringing out the best in them all.

Congratulations to everyone concerned.

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