Matilda Jr. The Musical

Act One Beginners’ youth production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr the Musical at Burnley College was a vibrant, confident, and thoroughly engaging showcase of young talent. With a wide range of ages represented on stage, the company worked together as a unified ensemble, showing discipline, focus and a shared commitment to excellence.

Directed and choreographed by Bethany Whittaker and Jessica Whittaker, the production moved at a lively, assured pace, every performer knowing exactly where to stand, how to travel through the space and how to support the story in motion. The ensemble handled comedy with crisp timing and truthful reactions, and transitions were executed with impressive precision. Set pieces moved fluidly, often while the audience’s attention was drawn elsewhere, creating a seamless flow from scene to scene.

Musical Director Autumn Feeley shaped the musical world of the production with sensitivity and confidence, bringing out the best in her young performers. Lead vocals were consistently strong, clearly delivered and emotionally connected, while ensemble harmonies, particularly in Bruce (Part 1) and Revolting Children, were energetic, and beautifully unified. Autumn ensured that every number supported the narrative and lifted the performers, contributing significantly to the show.

Burnley College’s end‑on stage, performed on the flat floor with the audience seated directly opposite, offered a clear, uninterrupted view of the entire playing area. Props were brought on confidently by the performers, and trucks moved unobtrusively by the stage crew. Projections added depth and clarity, depicting locations such as the library, Matilda’s home, the school gates, and classroom interiors. These were worked by Greg Wharf with excellent timing and no glitches. Stage assistants Leah Rowley and Millie Robinson supported smooth transitions under Stage Manager Ruby Whittaker, while music cues run by Bethany Whittaker were consistently sharp. Sound, provided by MASH Audiovisual, was clean and reliable throughout, no feedback, no lost microphones, no backstage spill, sound effects landed right. Lighting, designed by Tom Whittaker, played a significant role in shaping the atmosphere: greens and shadows gave the school its sinister edge, while Miss Honey was bathed in warm oranges and yellows, spots throughout perfectly placed.

Eva Welch gave a confident and engaging performance as Matilda Wormwood, capturing her stance and poise with just the right blend of determination and youthful defiance. Her vocals were strong throughout, and her dialogue was expressive and emotionally connected. Naughty set the tone for a consistent and compelling performance.

Poppy Foulds was a formidable Agatha Trunchbull, her stern makeup perfectly matching her commanding presence. She balanced comedy and intimidation with skill, and The Smell of Rebellion was excellent, bossy, funny, and sharply timed.

Patsy Slater brought gentle, nervous sweetness to Miss Honey, offering a calm, reassuring presence. Her vocals in This Little Girl were warm, controlled and beautifully delivered.

Frankie Hanna was very funny as Mr Wormwood, capturing the character’s brash silliness with excellent timing. Elena Hopley gave a delightfully selfish Mrs Wormwood, her scenes with Willow Wilkinson’s flamboyant Rudolpho proving jolly funny, especially with Willow’s tango antics in the background. Scarlett Priest delivered Michael Wormwood’s single word, ‘Backwards,’ with brilliant deadpan timing.

Aveen Staunton was warm and engaging as Mrs Phelps, offering emotion and charm in the storytelling scenes. Brooke Bentley brought sincerity to the Escapologist, while Isabella‑Grace Brooke looked wonderful as the Acrobat in her purple costume, complete with a delightful dynamite headdress. Isabelle Star gave a confident, bold performance as Sergei, her accent impressive.

Ella Locke as Hortensia, Layla Lewis as Tommy, Ava Ashton as Alice, Isla Boden as Lavender, Nina Domanska as Eric, Autumn Wharf, wonderfully thrown off stage by her pigtails as Amanda Thripp, and Zoe Staunton as Nigel all delivered vocally secure, confident performances, each contributing strongly to the storytelling. Betsy Bentley gave a fantastic Bruce Bogtrotter, her vocals superb and her riff over Revolting Children particularly impressive.

With another twenty‑five actors making up the ensemble and Revolting Children company, it is impossible to name everyone individually, but I saw each performer and can honestly say they were fantastic, full of energy, passion, and total commitment. Their discipline, focus and animated reactions enriched every scene and played a huge part in the production’s success.

Wardrobe, provided by the society itself, looked great throughout. From the crisp school uniforms to Trunchbull’s Dr. Martens and trench coat, every costume carried the exact same logo with care and precision. The show, produced by Leanne and Greg Wharf, whose work brought all elements together with assurance and professionalism.

My final thanks go to Act One Beginners for a hugely enjoyable evening. This production was delivered with heart, discipline, and a wonderful sense of togetherness. Thank you to the society for their hard work and hospitality, and to the front‑of‑house team for their warm welcome and attentive care, a delightful experience from start to finish.

 

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