Matilda Junior

It was a pleasure to visit Hermitage Academy to see Matilda Jr. Full of energy, passion and wonderful storytelling, the cast and crew launched themselves into a production that captured the audience from the very beginning and held them until the final note. With such a wealth of talent on display, it goes without saying that this show was a great success.

This was Hermitage Academy’s junior school production, with cast members ranging from S1 to S3. Stage presence and discipline were evident throughout. The singing and vocal harmonies were excellent, while the stage direction and choreography were slick, engaging and well executed. It is fair to say that there were many standout performances. Each principal performer shone and demonstrated considerable talent across singing, acting and dance. No show is complete without a strong line-up of supporting principals and ensemble members, and they contributed with great energy, commitment and passion for the piece.

It was clear that a great amount of dedication and commitment had come from the teaching staff who brought this production to the stage. It was also excellent to see the production team involve so many pupils from across the school, as well as some former pupils. Scene changes were quick and efficient, and the set was well designed. Backstage work covered all disciplines of theatre, including crew, lighting, sound, make-up, set design, props, photography and front of house. These roles are as important as those on stage, and every aspect of theatre performance relies on the support of the others. The performing space was created well to suit the show and was enhanced by effective sound and lighting.

The entire production, under the direction of Mrs C Chapman, Mrs N Quinn, Miss C McEwan and Mrs G MacKinnon, was extremely well done. I know the school will be delighted with the outcome of all the hard work that went into the weeks of planning and rehearsals required to bring the show to such a high standard. I would like to thank Hermitage Academy for giving the cast and crew the opportunity to take part in this team effort and for allowing their “Revolting Children” — which they most certainly are not — to shine.

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