Matilda The Musical Jr.

Matilda is the story of a young girl who finds the power inside herself to create change. She becomes a natural leader and uses her powers for justice.

I must start by thanking Westholme School for welcoming me in to such a wonderful place. The welcome was lovely, and it was really nice to speak to lots of staff. The sixth form students who were ‘working’ for the evening also showed me the ethos of your school.

My first comment must be about the whole company numbers and staging. Every young person on that stage was fully ‘in’ all the scenes – their reactions to the action that was taking place was superb and yet never overshadowed the onstage action. I am always the kind of person who watches around the main action, and I wasn’t disappointed – keep doing what you do and remember what Stanislavsky says, “there are no small parts, only small actors.” The characterisation, space and proxemics, and facial expressions were superb from everyone on that stage. Also, to see the dancing and to see boys and girls all giving it their all in some fabulous choreo was brilliant – led by Miss Prendergast as choreographer. Accents were good throughout by all, harmonies were clear, and the singing was loud. Projection and diction were exceptional. I really loved when Amanda, played by Josephine Eames, was thrown by Trunchball by her pigtails, and appeared on the West Balcony – a great way to stage this section. Well done.

I saw the second night of the production, and as such, only saw one of the casts which will be a severe disappointment to myself. Well done to all the cast but I must point out some stand-out performances in my very humble opinion. Everyone was amazing and these are just the few people that I would like to mention for various small reasons – I would love to mention you all, but I’d be bound to miss someone out.

First, I would like to commend Jessica Johns who played Lavender. From the moment you started, your face lit up the stage, and your character was brilliant. Louka Miller, as Bruce, really stole my heart and I had a tear in my eye when he gained his power at the end in his solo for Revolting Children… I also loved the comedy of your ‘I’ve Been to Chokey’ sign. Jack Blackwell, as Rudolpho, was also a stunning performance. You made the part your own and I could learn some dance moves from those hips!

Daisy Collinson as Trunchball had a wonderful bluesy voice and your vocal melismas were spot on. For you to complete your part as this character after dislocating your knee shows your work ethic and determination. Matilda Young as Miss Honey managed to overcome a slight mic issue, but every word was heard – showing professionalism as a performer – and you really gave that loving, warm feeling to your audience. And my last note should be towards Maggie Elder as Matilda. Matilda holds this performance together and your strength yet gentle poise really brought this character to life – along with a superb singing voice.

Lighting was good and really emphasised the key moments of the performance, set was minimal, but I did love the projections at the back and thought they worked well with the performance. Sound was good apart from a couple of little mic issues – something typical in most performances in my experience. Music was provided from the Jr. backing tracks and never overshadowed the singing – a masterful mix from the tech team. Also, worth noting is the number of students who were part of the tech team and stage team.

A small improvement I would suggest is to learn to relax on scene changes and getting on and off stage. There is no need to rush, and you can make sure you come on stage with diligence but with purpose.

Moreover, I would like to commend the cast (a very large cast at that) on your comradery and your friendship. The first comment I made to your teachers was that I could feel the ethos of your school from seeing this performance. Doing shows like this builds lifelong friendships and I could see how much you all cared for each other, from the youngest to the eldest. I could also see how much your teachers care for you and want the best for you. To see a school valuing the arts so much brings a warmth to my heart and it really lifted my spirit for the future of the Performing Arts. A little note from me is that, if you are offered these opportunities, take them! These are the moments that make you as a person and allow you to be you. You never get experiences like this in ‘real’ life and only through performance and theatre can we build such relationships.

Well done to Mrs Holland and Mrs Eames (Director and Musical Director respectively) and special shoutout to sixth-form student Bill Kenny who was assistant director.

Thank you again for my invite and I look forward to coming to see your next productions as your NODA Youth Representative. To the pupils, you are amazing and keep up the hard work. To the staff, thank you for valuing the arts and for allowing young people the opportunity to be who they are and to do such wonderful things.

 

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