Matilda The Musical JR

 

This was the first production by the school which I have reviewed and was staged in the innovative performing centre. The stage area is clearly marked on the floor and the school had hired in a set which included screens on either side of the stage with lighting projected to reveal the letters of Matilda and others in turn. The screens resembled a library. At the back of the stage area was a small stage/walkway with steps to the higher level. There were good entrances and exits from the stage area allowing the back stage crew and cast to move props fluently on and off.

Sound levels were good and clever use of lighting enhanced the set. Costumes were mainly hired in and looked great and coordinated.

This was the most ambitious production staged by the school to date. Aside from the challenging songs and harmonies there was the small issue of the numbers involved. Circa eighty cast and crew were involved with some of the cast very young indeed. Thanks to the talents and creativity of the Musical Director, Singing Coaches and the Ensemble Captains all performed to a very high standard of acting, dance and vocals with no weak links observed. It was clear that the cast had been very well rehearsed and there were no points of hesitation on stage. The children’s smiling faces and obvious enjoyment was a real pleasure to see. Everyone could be heard clearly and projection of voices was remarkably good. The casting was skilful and clearly played to individual strengths.

Clara D took the part of Matilda in the performance which I saw. She was extremely confident in the role and was an avid reader and dreamer. Her voice was crystal clear in her solo of ‘Naughty`. Bruce, played by Harry G was encouraged by the others to stand up to Miss Trunchbull and eat all the cake with some predictable results and caused great hilarity and admiration from his peers. Miss Honey played by Indiana A was a sweet and caring teacher who was somewhat protective of Matilda. Indiana was well cast in this role and I enjoyed her solo sung very sensitively.

Amber T, as Agatha Trunchbull was suitably frightening and made it clear that she hated children. She had great authority striding around the stage shouting and I enjoyed her solo delivered in a strident manner.

Matilda’s family, the Wormwoods were a motley collection with Luka R as Mr Wormwood, Matilda’s father, a travelling con man, extremely rude and dishonest. Roseanna D as Mrs Wormwood, was totally self absorbed and obsessed with dancing. In fact Rudolpho, played by Ted M was her dancing partner and put a good deal of humour into this role. Matilda’s brother, Michael, well played by Joshua D was rather stupid and dull. Mrs Phelps, played by Betty S was a studious librarian who enjoyed listening to Matilda’s stories and encouraged her a great deal. Aryan P and Megan G were credible as an escapologist and an acrobat and Sergei (Arthur W) and the Russians were very realistic.

There were a large number of smaller parts all of which were enthusiastically played and were essential to the plot.

This was a well acted and directed production and I congratulate Director and Producer Miss Deirdre Duffy for her enthusiasm, commitment and creativity in bringing this to the stage. Well done to everyone. Your audience loved it!

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.