Matilda Jr

I always enjoy attending an Offspringers production. Not only is this a young company packed with talent it is a group that understands how to develop and nurture it’s members to get the very best from them. Having sat on the audition panel for Matilda Jr I had high hopes for this production and I certainly was not disappointed.

I defy anyone not to love this musical, particularly it’s main character, the young girl with the huge brain and love of books. The responsibility to lead this show in the title role fell to the incredibly talented Victoria Borisova. At just eight years old she delighted the audience with a stage presence unexpected from someone so young. With great delivery, a lovely singing voice and just a touch of mischief Victoria completely captured the hearts of everyone watching. Her song “Quiet” was a show highlight.

Victoria was supported beautifully by Erin Potgieter as the kind Miss Honey who takes Matilda under her wing. Erin has a glorious singing voice and displayed a lovely range of emotions both in her dialogue and vocals. I very much look forward to seeing Erin develop her already impressive performance skills in the future.

A star turn from Stefan Dodsworth as the evil Agatha Trunchbull. His delivery was confident, funny and menacing as needed and he handled his tricky songs with ease. Stefan has proved here what a versatile performer he is, last year playing the very serious Peter in The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe. A stark contrast to Trunchbull!

We were also treated to the most fabulous comedic double act by Shay Mullery and Kyla Randall as Mr and Mrs Wormwood. What a fantastic combination and a great example of team work. They both held the stage brilliantly, handling not only the most ridiculously appropriate costumes well but squeezing out every ounce of comedy from their dialogue perfectly. They were well supported by Harry Webber as their son Michael – with less to say but equally good timing. A great family unit. I must also mention Sam Walker here as Mrs Wormwoods flamboyant dance partner Rudolpho. A sensation from the moment he came on to the stage – complete with a huge chest wig and bags of charisma. Well done!

Another notable performance came from Matilda George, who was lovely as the encouraging Mrs Phelps the librarian. Poppy McNeill was also brilliant as Lavendar and I really enjoyed her vocal part in the opening number. Buster Noy made a great Nigel, I particularly liked his dialogue under the coats with all the children and Trunchbull and Pip Poole made an excellent Bruce Bogtrotter – absolutely smashing that difficult intro to the song “Revolting Children”. Lastly another nice combination from Jamie Blackburn and Jess Jackman as the Escapologist and Acrobat. Both delivered their dialogue clearly and with charm.

The ensemble all worked incredibly hard and coped superbly with Jade Amy’s challenging choreography. I also heard some nice harmonies in parts and the cast all sang out with energy and a certainty of what they were doing – congratulations to MD Laura Hawes for teaching them so well. “Revolting Children” and the emotional “When I Grow Up” were particularly well done. I usually mention a couple of ensemble performers when I visit a youth production and while every single person shone I must just mention a few. Dexter Naunton and Oskar Whiting both had super characterisation throughout and Scarlett Parkinson and Erin Trueman danced with wonderful expression. Really well done.

If I’m being picky, and I say this because I know this is a group that takes critique well, I would encourage a little more awareness around spacing when there are lots of performers on stage. Principals were masked at times by the ensemble during their dialogue. At some points the action also needed to be pushed a little further back – there were moments when I couldn’t see the performers nearer the front. But I do appreciate it is difficult on a small stage. Other than this the space was used well with the cast staggered nicely and not in rows which I often see.

Directors Samantha and Jade are to be applauded for some superb staging choices that added to the magic of the production. Particular highlights included Trunchbulls “hammer throw” of Amanda Thripp (hilariously done by Stefan Dodsworth and Juliet Stevenson), the disappearing chocolate cake, the magical chalkboard and moving glass of water. I understand local Community Theatre hero Anver Anderson carried out the Directors’ vision to a T and is to be credited for designing these technical elements.

Costumes were spot on with the uniforms all looking as you would expect. Mrs Wormwoods 80’s inspired look with bright make up and huge wig worked really well too. Well done to the costume department.

The set was carefully thought out with stairs each side of the stage leading to a full width platform creating extra performance space. This was particularly impactful when the entire cast performed “When I Grow Up”. Large blocks with letters/symbols on them dotted the stage and created extra levels when needed. These were often moved and turned by cast members themselves and added to the overall look of the staging nicely. A cloth on a runner at the back of the stage aided slick scene changes. Props were excellent. The chalk board was very cleverly done, creating the illusion of the chalk being in the air (powered by Matilda’s mind of course!) to reveal the words on the board that finally send Trunchbull running and the children winning the day! A huge congratulations to the production team on their vision and creativity.

There were a few minor issues with sound and lighting. Some late mic cues here and there but the cast projected well enough to still be heard. A couple of times the cast struggled to find their spotlight and I sensed they were being encouraged by the tech team to move into the light which did become a little distracting. But otherwise the production was well lit, even on the raised stage area which could have been problematic. Backing tracks were used and included some really effective sound effects (Boris’ huge burp and the chokey doors opening being memorable) and the cast managed their timings and intros into the songs faultlessly.

Offspringers continue to impress and it is a joy to see it’s members improve and grow in skill and confidence. These performers are very lucky to have a wonderful team around them that support and champion them all the way. First time Directors Samantha and Jade should not only be proud of their cast but also of themselves for bringing this heart warming musical to life with such care and passion.

As you can probably tell I enjoyed this production enormously and would like to thank everyone involved for a great evening’s entertainment. Thank you also to the lovely front of house team for looking after us and the Directors for taking the time to chat and answer my questions after the show.

 

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