Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr The Musical

Create Theatre Academy’s production of Roald Dahl’s’ Matilda Jr’ The Musical. exploded onto the stage with imagination, precision, and a whole lot of personality. From the very first note to the final ovation, it was clear that this was no ordinary youth production, it was a shining showcase of what young performers can achieve with expert mentorship and boundless enthusiasm. Directed by the vibrant duo Alex-May Colley and Rebecca Eastham, with musical direction by Dave Dosset, choreography by the Create Team with co-choreography by Emma Soper, and technical support from sound designer Dave Pallant and lighting team from The Blackburn Empire Theatre, every inch of the production sparkled.

The creative team crafted a performance full of emotional clarity, visual playfulness, and bold theatricality. Set transitions were smooth, the pacing was tight, and the staging made full use of the space, each scene felt fresh, engaging.

At the centre was Thea Baah as Matilda Wormwood, leading with grace, grit, and an expressive voice that gave the role both strength and heart. Her performance was animated and assured, balancing Matilda’s rebellious spark with a tenderness that made her story deeply moving.

Opposite her, Jack Hornby was a show-stealing force as the fearsome Miss Trunchbull. With feet planted wide and eyes crazed with comic menace, Jack’s physical comedy and exaggerated posturing were executed with expert precision. Every sneer and barked command delivered with such timing and presence that Trunchbull’s absurd tyranny became an unforgettable highlight.

As Miss Honey, Brooke Medhurst brought a lovely softness and sincerity. Her gentle vocals and composed presence offered a touching contrast to the show’s chaos, and her scenes with Matilda were tender and beautifully paced.

Charlie Warren as Mr. Wormwood gave a hilarious turn filled with exaggerated movements and quick-witted banter. His hybrid southern-Cockney accent added a cheeky flavour to every moment, and his comedic timing kept the audience laughing throughout.

Ruby-Mai Bevan shone with glitter and glee as Mrs. Wormwood. Her scenes with flamboyant dance instructor Rudolpho, played by Flynn Baistow in a wild purple shirt and red flared trousers, were bursting with comic chemistry and over-the-top fabulousness.

Harry Ford captured the dopey charm of Michael Wormwood with understated brilliance. His deadpan delivery and subtle expressions made him a consistent comic presence, despite being a character of few words.

Rebecca Aspinall gave a warm, grounded performance as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian entranced by Matilda’s unfolding fable. As she listened to the story of the acrobat and escapologist, portrayed with dramatic flair by Emma Soper and Amaan Wardingley.

There were plenty of visual treats too. The “Bruce Bogtrotter” cake scene, led by the charismatic Izaac Latham, was a hilarious triumph, complete with clever stagecraft that discreetly swallowed cake into a secret table compartment. Then came Isabella Baldwin as Miranda Thrip, whose mid-air “pigtail throw” by Trunchbull (with pigtails outstretched and ensemble lifting her in perfect synch) drew gasps and applause. Her reappearance clutching a bouquet moments later sealed the scene’s comic brilliance.

The rest of the schoolyard cast was equally spirited:  Francesca Muldoon was a vibrant and confident Lavender, Matilda’s loyal sidekick. Oscar McNicholas brought sincerity and brightness to Tommy. Eirian Grilli added grace and maturity as Alice. Noah Baah charmed as a nervously excitable Nigel. Frankie Islam delivered fiery attitude and bold lines as Hortensia.

The ensemble moved with tight discipline and infectious joy, no one faded into the background. Musical numbers, under Dave Dosset’s musical direction, were performed with precision and heart. Songs like “When I Grow Up” were deeply moving, especially enhanced by a beautifully staged mirror sequence that visually captured the bittersweet tension of childhood dreams. The choreographic collaboration from the Create Team added style and clarity to every group number, helping the young performers shine with both confidence and intention.

Technically, the production was flawless. Dave Pallant’s sound design ensured clarity and balance throughout—a significant achievement with a youthful cast. The lighting design by The Blackburn Empire Theatre washed the stage in rich colour palettes and dramatic silhouettes, subtly shaping the mood and guiding the audience’s focus without ever distracting.

In all, ‘Matilda Jr.’  The Musical was a joyful production backed by an extraordinary creative team and brought to life by a remarkable cast; Create Theatre Academy delivered a show that was sharp, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining. It proved beyond doubt that theatre is not just for the grown-ups, and that young performers, when given the space to shine, can deliver something truly magical.

I would like to thank Create for inviting me and my plus one to their production and look forward to many more shows from them in the future.

 

 

 

 

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