Matilda JR

Matilda JR is the abridged 60-minute adaptation of the musical, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. Based on Roald Dahl’s classic 1988 children’s novel Matilda, this version has been specially tailored for young performers.

Walking into the theatre foyer we were greeted by pages of books drifting from the ceiling, and in the auditorium the otherwise bare stage was decorated with all the flats covered in hundreds of hand drawn a4 sized alphabet letters, different colours and styles, alphabet letters on the floor and Matilda spelt out over the Proscenium arch. This set the scene well and looked really effective. A small foldable and rotating flat and other small pieces of set furniture depicted the rest of the scenes, which was enough for the size of the stage and amount of cast that had to manoeuvre on and off in the small space. There were 2 light up cubes which were used extensively throughout. Scene changes were efficiently carried out by the cast and stage crew all in school uniform.

The lighting plot enhanced the mood and storytelling and worked seamlessly throughout. There was a lot of haze used especially at the beginning of both acts, but I was left questioning its necessity in this particular story/setting. The sound was all well cued generally, with the balance of vocals with backing tracks good throughout. There was a couple of issues with Miss Trunchbull’s microphone, during the performance I attended, but the actress playing her was very strong with her projection skills which helped. The echo effect in” Quiet” worked really well.

Costumes were all effective and suitable for the characters and period. The Fancy dress in the opening scene looked great and I especially loved Mrs Wormwoods outfit, so tacky and that wig was fabulous. I did wonder why not all the school children wore tights, and why flesh-coloured fishnets were chosen as opposed to plain flesh-coloured tights.  Hair and make-up all looked great. Miss Trunchbull’s make up in particular was excellent.

The direction was slick, and the action moved efficiently between scenes, using the space well. The choreography as I have come to expect with this group was well drilled and executed and enhanced the story. I enjoyed the Acrobat and Escapologist scenes, and their choreography in particular.

The harmonies in this show are deceptively difficult in places, and the musical director had clearly worked hard in developing these, and it showed. The vocals were well balanced with the tracks and cued very well throughout.

In reviewing the Principal Characters:

Matilda: A simply fabulous performance, a perfect Matilda, great diction, and beautiful singing. You really engaged with the audience when singing out, bringing us all into your story. Well Done.

Miss Honey: an endearing performance, you had the character to a tee, with lovely, sweet vocals. I am always disappointed that “My House” isn’t included in this version, and I’m certain you would have performed it beautifully.

Miss Trunchbull: Your physicality in this performance was just brilliant, some great little quirks. Facial expressions were brilliant. The Trunchbull’s songs are not easy ones to do but you managed so well, your projection was strong throughout.

Mr Wormwood: Suitably horrible character but maintained the comedy elements well. Just be careful not to rush your lines, as I lost some of the dialogue. Some great physicality in your performance as well.

Mrs Wormwood: Again, a suitably horrible character, which you excelled at portraying. So loud and obnoxious. Your vocals at the end blew me away!!!

Mrs Phelps: A nice gentle contrast to the other larger than life characters, sensitively portrayed.

Escapologist  and Acrobat: A strong partnership, with some lovely well executed dancing which I enjoyed. You enhanced the storytelling so well.

Bruce: Your story telling was great, I enjoyed your “Burp” moment.

Nigel/Sergei: two very contrasting characters, Great Russian accent.

Lavender:  Lovely interpretation, you suitably revelled in the Newt scene.

Amanda:  I liked your Pigtails…. The “throw” was well managed and worked well.

Rudolpho: A flamboyant performance, really enjoyed this portrayal.

Michael: A suitably monosyllabic character.

The ensemble were really strong throughout and performed with enthusiasm. Their vocals were great and dancing of such a high standard. You all developed your younger child characters to great effect. It can be quite difficult to do this without becoming a caricature or just being “silly”.

I also understand there was a lot of illness in the build up and during the show, but you didn’t let it impact your performance at all, Well done.

As ever, a great performance by BMYP, my young guest really enjoyed herself saying, “my favourite was Matilda and Miss Trunchbull”. Thank you for your hospitality, and congratulations all. I can’t wait for Chicago, a big contrast!!

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