Matilda The Musical JR

Stage Squad’s Youth production of Matilda JR. was nothing short of magical—a vibrant, high-energy celebration of youth theatre that left the audience beaming from start to finish. This was my first visit to The Squad House, and what a delightful venue it is. The foyer, adorned with theatrical memorabilia and buzzing with anticipation, set the tone for an evening of creativity and community. A warm welcome from Sean Kennedy and the team made the experience feel personal and inviting.

As we took our seats, we were greeted by an open stage—a choice I always admire. It immediately draws the audience into the world of the play, offering a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come. The set was cleverly designed: a festive party scene with balloons centre stage and the letters spelling “Matilda” artfully arranged around the proscenium arch. It was a charming and effective way to establish the playful yet poignant tone of the show.

From the opening number Miracle to the rousing finale Revolting Children, the young cast delivered a performance bursting with enthusiasm, precision, and heart. Every single performer gave their all, and what stood out most was their consistency—vocally, physically, and emotionally. This was a cast that had clearly worked hard and loved every minute of it.

Director and choreographer Jennie Kennedy deserves high praise for her dynamic staging and inventive choreography. Every inch of the stage was used with purpose, and the movement was packed with energy, character, and storytelling. The ensemble work was particularly strong, with crisp formations and expressive gestures that brought the world of Crunchem Hall to life. While a few scene transitions were slightly lengthy, the creative use of the space and set pieces more than made up for it.

Musical Director Susan Burton ensured that the vocal performances were confident and clear. The harmonies in the ensemble numbers were tight and well-balanced, and diction was strong throughout. A special mention must go to the “parent vocals” in Miracle—often overlooked in youth productions, but here delivered with clarity and character. The musical numbers were a highlight of the evening, and the cast handled Tim Minchin’s witty, complex score with impressive skill.

Leading the cast as Matilda was Abigail Pottinger. Abigail embodied the role with poise, intelligence, and emotional depth. Her stage presence was remarkable—she moved with purpose, delivered her lines with conviction, and sang with both power and sensitivity. Her rendition of Quiet was a standout moment: emotionally charged, vocally controlled, and deeply moving. She captured the stillness and strength of Matilda’s inner world with grace beyond her years. Another standout was Harrison Sparrow as Bruce. His performance in the infamous chocolate cake scene was both hilarious and heartfelt. Harrison’s expressive face, confident vocals, and comic timing made Bruce a memorable and lovable character, this young man is certainly one to watch in coming years. 

Matilda’s classmates were equally impressive. Tilly Hutchinson (Erica), Molly Drain (Amanda), Hettie Wood (Lavender), and Amelie Lucas (Hortensia) each brought their characters to life with individuality and flair. Molly’s sweet innocence, Hettie’s cheeky humour, Amelie’s rebellious streak, and Tilly’s strong ensemble presence all added richness to the classroom scenes. Their chemistry as a group was infectious. Jake Ashworth delivered a deliciously villainous turn as Miss Trunchbull. With a commanding stage presence, exaggerated physicality, and a perfectly grotesque costume, Jake struck the right balance between menace and comedy. His performance was bold, theatrical, and thoroughly entertaining. Mr Wormwood, played by Callan Ney gave way for the most memorable awful grown-up in the musical. Callan’s projection of dialogue through his loud, dishonest and over-the-top characterisation was great to see. Joy Arnold gave a touching performance as Miss Honey. Her gentle voice and warm demeanour made her instantly endearing, and her solo moments were beautifully sung. Joy captured the quiet strength and vulnerability of the character with sincerity and subtlety.

The technical elements of the production were also well executed. Neil Hampson’s lighting design added atmosphere and focus, with particularly effective use of lighting during the Chokey scenes. The intimate venue was used to its full potential, and the creative team made smart choices to enhance the storytelling. One small note: while the use of stools added height and variety to the staging, a few performers appeared slightly uneasy standing on them. Perhaps future productions could consider investing in stage blocks to ensure performers confidence is not hindered when performing at height.

In all, Stage Squad’s Youth Matilda JR. was a triumph. It was a joyful, polished, and heartfelt production that showcased the incredible talent and dedication of its young cast and creative team. The energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism on display were truly inspiring.

Congratulations to everyone involved—you should be immensely proud. I can’t wait to see what Stage Squad Youth brings to the stage next!

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