Matilda The Musical Jr.

A musical based on Roald Dahl’s writings Matilda Wormwood is a brilliant book reading child with abusive parental opposition to her education. With her special powers and encouragement from a friendly librarian she is excitedly off to Crunchem Hall but is taken aback when she encounters the oppressive place run by the villainous Miss Agatha Trunchbull. Daring to stand up to her and do justice particularly for Miss Honey and as in good v evil stories naturally wins the day, with a very enjoyable confident performance from Nitalia Volsteedt particularly enjoying her ‘Naughty’ and ‘Quiet.’

The simplicity of black curtaining and backdrop throughout with the additional folding two sided front flats always works well here at Wadhurst with painting depicting the different locations was devised by Anthony Hart. With smooth running movable unobtrusively, props arranged by Amy Osborne which included a wonderful wheel on and off television set and library book shelving plus a large plant adding interest, and I enjoyed the glue gun! The SM and ASM plus the cast set and reset quickly and efficiently.

Colleen Burt arranged the in keeping costumes with school uniforms looking smart against the black -  were grey flannel short trousers or pleated skirts with white shirts and each with a coloured school tie. Flashy car salesman Mr Wormwood was just as flashy as one might envisage – colourful check jacket and more checks and loved the green wig and the jaunty hat which was naughtily glued to his head.

Clarice Wale, singing coach encouraged the children musically with fast and furious lyrics to difficult music numbers which they coped with very well accompanied the tracker tape and obviously rehearsed well to get the clever written words across to the audience. The standout numbers of course being the ‘Miracle’ opener, ‘Naughty’ ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Revolting.’ Some enjoyable solos particularly the comedic ‘Telly’ song from a cheeky Angus Pamphillon as Mr Harry Wormwood, hater of girls and books. Esme Rowland gave a beautiful rendition  of  ‘This Little Girl’ as a lovable but bullied teacher Miss Jennifer Honey who with Matilda’s help rose to Headmistress, whilst Rosie Roper gave a forceful meaningful performance of ‘Smell of Rebellion’ as a particularly horrid Head Miss Agatha Trunchbull. Georgia Ajayi played our not so loving mother more interested in her ballroom dancing and partner Rudolpho namely Eddie Rinker, with other cameo roles including the colourful circus pair and Russian  moustached Sergio enjoyed too.

Holly designed the sharp co-ordinated ensemble movement that the children executed so very well – good spacing with swift entry and exit lines not an easy ask with lyrics running so fast and furious at the same time and the stage space available.

Completing the picture were Russ Kirton and Lucie Payne with sound with Isaac Blakeley and Amanada on lighting. Lovely bit of laser use with the ghostly message scripted on the blackboard outline. Good teamwork with dual named parts and ensemble members with Amanda’s diligent leadership as Director creating and encouraging these talented youngsters to grow in confidence and together produced a delightful Wadhurst theatrical experience - thankyou to you all. Lastly, a thankyou to Dot Smytherman for her keeping her eye on the book.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.