Matilda The Musical Jr

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr.
Performed by: Nailsea (youth) Musicals
Date: 23rd February 2025
Venue: Nailsea Scotch Horn Leisure Centre.
Book by: Dennis Kelly
Music and lyrics by: Tim Minchin
Directed by: Chrissie Powell and Laura Shields
Choreography/music by: Chrissie Powell and Laura Shields
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell

I’ve had a lovely couple of weeks lately catching up with some Roald Dahl stories.
A real throwback to my past. I so enjoyed reading those books when I was
younger and remember reading them over and over again. So having seen Matilda
a couple of times in the Westend, and the film, I was very much looking forward to
coming along to Nailsea (youth) musicals presentation. Having very much enjoyed
Nailsea’s recent version of Young Frankenstein, I must admit I was coming along
with high expectations, and all I can say is you completely surpassed it and some.
It’s always nice to get a cheery welcome and very kind to be shown to our seats
(which were excellent) thank you. From the moment we took our seats it took us a
couple of minutes to take in the excellent set. It certainly had a professional
standard to it. I could see how much work and care had gone into it. If I had any
criticism about the junior production, it would be that some scenes have to be left
out to make it an abridged version. Nothing you can do about that, but I just know
this company would have coped admirably with the full version.
Just to get it out of the way there were a couple of sound issues right at the start.
A few late mics and poor Matilda’s mic I assume hadn’t been switched on. This
was dealt with exceptionally well. She carried on with her first speech regardless
and when sat very obviously got a nudge from off stage to slip off and was
switched on. This didn’t phase her in anyway and carried on to give a wonderful
performance. These things happen but it’s how you deal with it that counts.
The scene changes in this production were so swift we could hardly take a breath
between scenes as the pace kept on flowing from scene to scene. I take my hat off
to the directors for this, and also using your cast to change set was an excellent
idea.
The focus on this cast was exceptional also. Right from the opening number
everyone had a character and had most likely been told to think about a backstory
for themselves. This really came over the footlights. The energy also was
tremendous every member was putting their heart and soul into their performance.
It really made us as an audience sit up and take notice. It made me feel your
rehearsal process had really paid off. The choreography and been so well drilled as
was the singing it was loud and punchy. These are not easy songs to learn, but
again the cast coped admirably with all that had been thrown at them.

The acting too came over as very very strong. The family unit of the Wormwoods
was just perfect and believable. Totally unsupportive of their own intelligent
daughter. Some great comedy came over in the family scenes. Great timing by all.
The relationship between Matilda and Miss Honey was just beautiful as it grew
throughout the show we got swept into it too.
And then we have the intimidating Miss Trunchbull. The real spanner in the works!
This actress just went for it and got it just right in this production. We just loved the
swinging around of the pony tailed student. Executed brilliantly.
Of course we knew there would be a happy ending for Matilda and Miss Honey
who so deserved to be with each other. I must say this was a first class
production. You could hear a pin drop in the audience all through this performance,
so congratulations to each and every one of the team. Nailed it.

Matilda
I had the pleasure of being sat next to a very proud Dad. This actress completely
held the show together. Unfazed with your mic not being switched on in the
opening you carried on regardless with plenty of projection. You brought a good
energy to Matilda with plenty of light and shade in your performance. You looked
perfect and interacted so well with your fellow cast mates. You formed a wonderful
relationship with Miss Honey and the battle with Miss Trunchbull throughout was a
joy to watch. You had great comedy timing within the family unit especially when
reminding them you were a girl. We certainly enjoyed your lovely singing voice and
you coped so well not only with the difficult lyrics you had to learn but also the
difficult timings. Congratulations on a super performance.

Mr Wormwood
What a great cheeky chappie you make. You had the right swagger and good
comedy timing when needed. The green hair and glued hat worked very well for
you. Brilliantly acted. Nice strong voice with good diction too. Good choice of suit
which finished off a perfect well drawn character. Well done.

Mrs Wormwood
When I said earlier it was a shame some things had to be left out to make it an
abridged version, I would have loved to have heard you sing “Loud” from the
original production but hey, you’ve got time on your side to play this again maybe
in an adult production and get your chance.
The performance you gave was judged just right. You played her for real, and
completely self obsessed. We loved the moments with Rudolpho - very funny, and
your interactions within the family and Matilda just perfect. Congratulations.

Michael
You certainly made your presence felt even if he didn’t have a lot to say. The
interactions of the repeat lines were well timed and judged. Well done.

Trunchbull
This was a very “strong”performance even us in the audience took a gasp at the
mention of chokey. You played her perfectly. We believed everything you told us.
You looked terrific, great costume and held the stage brilliantly. The Smell of
Rebellion was a real show stopper and high light for me. A great part that you
excelled in. Congratulations.

Miss Honey
What a beautiful performance. This could have been written for you. Gorgeous
singing voice and you created a very tender relationship with Matilda. Costumed
just right and a good stage presence. Great work.

Escapologist/Acrobat
You both held the stage extremely well. You certainly took us into Matilda’s
storytelling, and became those tragic characters that we all believed in and wanted
to know more. You both worked extremely well together and continued the flow of
the story beautifully.

Mrs Phelps
Good actress who became a nice friend to Matilda in her safe haven of the Library.
Very nicely played and you made you mark in every scene you were in. Well done.

Rudolpho
Again only a couple of scenes but you certainly made the most of them. Very funny
work alongside Mrs Wormwood and I must say rather good mover! Good work.

Bruce
What an energy you gave us. Another high light of the show was the chocolate
cake eating. You did this brilliantly and very cleverly.
Really enjoyable performance.

Ensemble
All played their parts to perfection. Well drilled and some really good strong voices
coming through and choreography executed brilliantly with plenty of punch when
needed. This was a wonderful team effort with scene changes being acted out by
the company and doing it effortlessly.

Backstage /costumes
This all was a great team effort which is where Nailsea come into their own.
Everyone looked just right in their costumes and the backstage team did a terrific
set which was visually stunning. Enhanced by good lighting.
I felt very relaxed in your capable hands. Well done.

Directors/choreographers
What a team you both make. I can only congratulate you both. You produced a
superb piece of theatre that the audience enjoyed fully. You cast it perfectly which
is half the battle. All the main characters were certainly believable. I was most
impressed with the flow of the show. The pace you created was just right. With a
lot of young children in the audience you couldn’t afford to lose their attention and
you didn’t for a second. Well done on that.
The choreography was very well executed too. Everyone looked great and played
to their strengths. You created some good shaping for the numbers and using the
whole of the stage so it didn’t look cramped at all.
This seems a dream team. I look forward to more of your work. Congratulations.
Thankyou so much for inviting us, as you may realise this was a tremendously
enjoyable afternoon. Keep doing what you do Nailsea. You have certainly brought
yourself well and truly back on the map.
Until the next time
Best wishes
Mike x

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