Matilda The Musical JR

What a wealth of talent on stage in this funny and serious production. The director has presented his Junior Section of 8-12 year old members and how they have risen to the challenge. From first to last, the youngsters inhabited their roles with an assuredness remarkable for their years.

Eva Waddell as Matilda nailed her part displaying a determination and intelligence in the face of parental rejection for not fitting into their pattern of life and in the face of the bullying headmistress. Matilda’s immersion in reading and conveyance of her special powers make for a strong personality and take the audience with her as she deems it right ‘to be a little bit naughty’. She translated all this in her singing too.

Ryan Tattersall as her father Mr Wormwood gave us a business opportunistic spiv, likeable in everything but his treatment of his daughter and so deserving of his green hair. Her mother Mrs Wormwood colourfully played by Amy Webster was self centred with her pleasure seeking and thought more about her appearance and dancing than her daughter. As her dance tutor Rudolphino, Kai Morris took a trick with his easy rhythmic mobility.

Imogen McKay gave us a cruel and steely Agatha Trunchbull dominating her scenes in her awfulness. She led ‘The Hammer’ and ‘The Smell of Rebellion’ in the same cold way. In total contrast Willow Murtagh presented a compassionate Miss Honey, yet powerless to combat the stronger headmistress. She sang ‘This Little Girl’ with such feeling. An interesting role in fostering Matilda’s love of reading and around which the imaginative side of Matilda was woven was the librarian Mrs Phelps. Amira Nicol fascinated and frightened herself so caught up was she in Matilda’s imagination.

All supporting parts and the schoolchildren clearly characterised their roles singing ‘The School Song’ with gusto and invoking ‘The Chokey Chant’ with menace. When ‘I Grow Up’ was a stand out number. Their movements were well rehearsed and executed, entering and exiting the stage easily and in role. Similarly the many scene changes and changes of props happened smoothly, from home to school gates to classroom with all the desks and back again. Everyone did very well in adapting to this changed venue. Production officials and parents can be very proud of these young folk.

And  From Neil Hartley NODA Scotland Youth Coordinator

The hard work and commitment that goes into putting on a production like this is obvious from the stage door, front of house to the stage and each and every person that is involved. The atmosphere backstage is one of family and many dedicated people come together to support the cast and make this show something to be very proud of. The effective choreography took us on our journey with the company not only as an amazing sound for the ears but something to keep the eyes focused on throughout. Congratulations to the production & wardrobe team, sound, lighting and stage management, not to forget the backstage helpers, chaperones and crew.                                                                                                                                                                    

Congratulations on your production and I wish you all well for future productions.

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