Matilda the Musical Jr.

What a super evening’s entertainment by this enthusiastic and talented young cast which was worthy of its sell-out audiences.  The director Charlie Younger, choreographer Stephanie Peacock and musical director Jenni Watson had clearly supported the young people with weeks of hard work to achieve great performances from two separate full casts. I had the privilege to watch “Team Maggots” but I’m confident that “Team Worms” were just as good!  The staging was in the traverse style with the audience on 3 sides, the set provided by a series furniture pieces and blocks expertly moved by support crew in their dustcoats as well as the cast.The performance area was surrounded by a lighting rig capable of following the action and providing changes of mood and atmosphere, sound was also good and clear. The choreography was slick and interesting to watch throughout and the children had mastered it and delivered it with passion, especially “Revolting Children” which was definitely their favourite. You could also tell that the performers were aware that their audience was all around them and to engage with them all throughout the dancing, singing and libretto.

The opening number ‘Miracle’ gave us an insight into the different ways children are treat by their parents and also introduced us to the ensemble who worked very hard throughout show. The Wormwood family were wicked but perfectly played by Daniel Davies as Mr Wormwood and Aimee Curtis as Mrs Wormwood, great characterisation, and Matilda’s brother played by Madi Smith, even though mostly silent still manged to raise a laugh. Lexi Neasham as Miss Honey was the perfect contrast to the loud, scary and imposing character of Agatha Trunchbull played by Rebecca Moore, both playing their characters with maturity beyond their young years. I really enjoyed Matilda’s story of the Escapologist and the Gymnast which was beautifully acted out by Joel Oakley and Rue Riley. All of Matilda’s school friends and the ensemble played their many roles and cameos very well but I must mention Orie Coulton-Goodwin as Bruce, what energy and what a voice this young actor has. Abigale Slade was the perfect Matilda, her diction was so clear, her solos were lovely, characterisation believable and she performed with great confidence.

Congratulations to the Society for supporting these young people to have such a great theatrical experience, every young person in this production did extremely well, they were a credit to the Society, the production team and their families. Well done IYFT Seaham Youth!

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