Matilda the Musical Jnr

It is always a pleasure to visit KYDS who now are very happily settled in their new home in Tolleshunt Knights Village Hall, a far better venue than before. To see full houses is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers that back this lovely friendly youth group.

The last time we visited they, like a lot of groups had suffered from lack of returning young people after the Pandemic.  This was not the case this year.  On stage they had a full complement of youngsters and a waiting list to join which just goes to show the reputation that they hold.

Definitely they had raised the bar with this production of Matilda the Musical Jr.  From the look on all the faces of the young actors on stage, you could see that they were loving every moment, even if it was one of the hottest nights of the year.   With many named roles and plenty of scope for chorus and ensemble this youth musical is a must to perform for any youth group.

With such a complicated lot of scene changes, the backstage crew are to be congratulated and definitely are as much the stars of the show as the young actors. So many scenes and such good timing as with only three performances and one dress they showed just how excellent they were, especially as it was so hot that night. Full credit to wearing school uniform too!

The set and all the props were made by the group, including the colourful alphabet building blocks that were used as seats.  The excellent painted back drop with projection screen helped to set the show.  Costumes were also super with all the children in school uniform, including the front of house which was great to see. Mrs Wormwoods different outfits were superb, especially her Latin dance outfit and those amazing sparkly heels.  I also loved her dancing companion Rudolpho (Vinnie Weymouth) who made the most of his cameo role.

From the very start with the voice of Miss Trunchbull calling out to the audience ‘Attention Maggots!’ You knew you were in for a fun night. Roald Dahl’s book, now a musical with script by Dennis Kelly and music by Tim Minchin gives us the story of a young girl called Matilda who is intelligent and has special powers. She is unloved by her parents who do not care for her and send her to Miss Trunchbull’s school.  This lady hates children and thinks of any way to send them to Chokey. Luckily she has the backing of the loveable Miss Honey and together they save the school and each other.

This is definitely an ensemble show giving every member a chance to be involved.  Each actor on that stage sung, danced and acted their socks off and should all be very proud of their achievements. Being a member of such a group gives young people the opportunity to experience all the elements of theatre and give them confidence for their future lives and possibly go on to be in senior societies.

Main roles went to  Daisy Howard as Matilda who looked very sweet and had a pure singing voice and held the role well. Her nemesis, Miss Trunchbull, played admirably by Ewan Moore, really looked the part with fantastic makeup and costume, obviously enjoying lambasting the children on stage..  I loved the scene where Miss Trunchbull swung ‘Amanda’ (Asia Scholey) around with her pigtails and looked very realistic as she flew through the air. The audience loved it too.

Miss Honey was sweetly played by Lilian McMichael and had the maturity that role needed with her soft mild manner and beautiful singing. At only sixteen years old she definitely rose to the occasion and I really enjoyed seeing her shine on stage.

Mr & Mrs Wormwood (Fionn Crickett and Grace Bryson) were the formidable uncaring parents adding a lot of comedy to the roles.  Fionn gave us the comedy needed as the unlikeable father who so deserved his green hair and glued hat.   Grace gave us the self-centred, pleasure seeking bimbo, with much more thought to how she looked than caring about her daughter.  I am also so pleased to see Grace who was best NODA youth a few years ago, improving with each show I see her in. I note that she is performing at the Mercury Theatre Colchester soon and wish her the best of luck in her career.

Another young lady that caught my eye was Eloise Cass as Mrs Phelps.  She excudes stage presence and confidence on stage and is one to watch for the future.

As there were so many on stage, each young actor playing a small role I applaud you all for your hard work and dedication, and hope to see you in your next production which I believe is a pantomime. All the supporting roles were clearly characterised and  all sung the songs with gusto.  One of my favourites ‘When I grow up’ was a great number for them all to perform. All their choreography was ably rehearsed and well executed. Sounds from the speakers were a bit muffled sometimes and lighting on the whole was fine.

This was a complicated production to pull off but the end result gave all the audience a great night out.  Talking later to Director Alexandra Bilsland, she was determined to put this show on as she absolutely loved it and I can see just how much detail and attention, she and her Assistant Directors Alice Mason and Olly Smith put into it.

Thank you all for a lovely entertaining night out.

Christine Davidson

NODA East District 8 Rep

 

 

 

 

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