Matilda The Musical JR

I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to HC Vocal and Performance Academy to see their first show since joining NODA North, and what a cast of enthusiastic youths all excited to perform in front of a sell-out audience of family and friends, the atmosphere was electric. This show had been double cast due to the number of children performing, therefore my colleague and Regional Representative for district 6 will be reporting on one team and I will report on the other.

First of all, congratulation to the set designers, the set looked fantastic with good visual appeal for the audience and was certainly eye catching. l must also mention from the start to final bows how supportive the cast were of each other; it is great to see this camaraderie in the youth groups as they demonstrated how supportive they are of each other. Director Holly Clifford must firstly be commended on her artistic flair this was a brilliant directed production I know how difficult it can be when you’re working with a large number of youths with a wide age range, but all credit must go to you Holly you certainly got the best out of your cast.

The music in Matilda has over the years become extremely memorable and recognisable, and the cast sang and performed each number well I particularly enjoyed the classic numbers “When I Grow Up “which was well presented and I loved the use of the slides, swings, skipping ropes and scooters lovely performances and well sang and “Revolting Children” which was well sang and brilliantly acted and the choreography was very detailed, well-staged and well-rehearsed.  The whole cast performed with great enthusiasm and the energy was incredible which enabled the audience to be drawn in and become part of the production.  

Playing Matilda was Holly Wake, and what a star, great acting ability who made great use of the stage, vocally strong and was able to deliver her musical numbers with confidence especially in her numbers “Naughty” and “Quiet”. Playing Matilda’s parents, Mrs Wormwood was confidently played by Leanna Honeyman, I loved the way Leanna played this character full of edge and confidence, delivering great stage presence and worked well with Will Coulter who played Mr Wormwood who certainly made the most of his character. Michael, Matilda’s brother was confidently played by Lucas Fawcett again strong performance and good stage presence.

Playing the incredible character Miss Trunchbull was Jay Dutton who brought the character to life, excellent stage presence and comic timing a treat to watch. Miss Honey was delightfully played by Lucy Wilkinson; excellent vocals and she really knew have to play this sweet character with ease and confidence.

In smaller cameo roles were the escapologist played by Seth Cohen and his wife Maisie Nicholson great scenes and dance routines. A confident performance by George who played the Russian who was ripped off by Mr Wormwood and I enjoyed the character Rudolpho the Latin dancer played by Ellie Wake. I enjoyed the way Chloe Nicholson interpreted the character Mrs Phelps the Librarian who was in awe of Milda’s reading ability, lovely vocals and good stage presence.

There were some sterling confident performances from Matilda’s school friends all who delivered their characters well and contributed to the overall production congratulations to Freddie Dale who played Nigel, Lana Moore who  played Tommy, Tianna Kolodziej who played Alice, Amelia Hooper who played Hortensia, Lyla Appleby who played Eric, Amanda played by Lily Riley, I must mention Jacob Robinson who played Bruce, I loved the cake scene very funny and lovely vocals and energy throughout the number and finally Eliza Voss who played Lavender Matilda’s best friend some lovely moments between these two characters and well performed.

No show is ever possible without a strong ensemble who brings the story to life, they support the principal line up and add the content to each scene, these youths were incredibly talented. Well done to you all there wasn’t a weak link on stage congratulations to Lily Appleby, Alana Robson, Millie Dickson, Tommy Nicholson, Peighton Temple, Macie Robinson, Freddie Voss, Lisa Todd, Betsy Coleman-Smith, Martha Boyle, Halle Larkins, Olivia Grainger, Summer Johnstone, Amelia Voss, Bella Lowrie, Olivia Cornhill, and Isadora Davis, you should all be very proud of yourselves you delivered a fantastic production and I can’t wait to see you all in Disney’s The Little Mermaid in September. A big congratulations to the back stage crew who ensured that the quick scene changes were completed effortlessly and also to the technicians on sound and lighting which enhanced the quality of the production. Well done to HC Vocal and Performance Academy on a great production  

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