Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR

If you read a standard synopsis of Matilda the Musical JR on-line it in no way prepares you, when executed by a talented cast, for the treat that you have in-store.  This afternoon, Spotlight delivered one of the most infectiously high energy, enthusiastic productions I have seen of this Junior musical which brought the audience, both young and young at heart, to their feet at the end of the show for a very well-deserved standing ovation.  The combination of the quality of the vocal work coached by Ray, Choreography by Beth including roller-skating prowess and acting shaped by Amanda struck all the right “chords” and the performance was ably supported by the costuming and always on point sound & lighting design by the talented Nottingham Arts Theatre technical team.

I was lucky enough to see this production twice, once through a lens shooting the dress rehearsal and once at the Saturday Matinee performance and it was a great insight watching the production team moulding the show into the performance space.  I don’t think I have ever seen quite so many young cast members on stage and it was a tribute to the production team that in no scene did it look like their young ensemble cast were unsure where they should be or what they should be doing.  The result was a very believable school setting with a wall of sound and energy bursting from the stage when demanded and also more nuanced scenes with Matilda and her family, Miss Honey and Ms Trunchbull.

At the heart of the production, Grace Moroziuk was an excellent Matilda bringing out the characters vulnerability and also the determination to disrupt and improve the oppressive family and school life she is initially forced to endure.  Tom Blakey milked every last ounce of sarcasm and passive (and not so passive) aggression from his delivery of Agatha Trunchbull which succeeded in making the eventual comeuppance very satisfying judging by the cheers from the packed house!  George Young, Connie Tegerdine and Preston Nash provided just the right “sincerely stupid” delivery of the Wormwood Family who clearly found Matilda an annoyance rather than a loved member of the family.  Zach Silcock provided a great cameo as Rudolpho with his multiple accents and hips that very rarely stopped delivering strictly ballroom comedy gold.

Sophie Benner was on great form delivering a very downtrodden Miss Honey and her vocal work was a great highlight throughout the show. Emily Holder delivered a very sympathetic and understated portrayal of Mrs Phelps as she encouraged Matilda to explore her imagination with tales of the escapologist and the acrobat, who were both portrayed in real life with great skill by Lucy Horton and Hemi Lewis.  Darcy Adams provided great support to the narrative with her intimidating Russian mafia boss Sergei together with all the outstanding Cameos from Emily Taylor, Etta Stevens, Holly Towey, Betsy Barnett, epic cake eating and enthusiasm throughout by Finlay Tomlinson, Caitlin-Rose Robinson, Lyla Calladine, Brooklynn Coleman and Lyla Wilkinson.

The show was driven by the passion and energy of the whole cast so take a bow Caitlin, Dan, Hermione, Jason, Erin, Tilly, Lois, Mia-Jay, Scarlett, Alice, Jack, Charlotte, Megan, Lottie H-G, Stephanie, Lacie, Sophia, Ella-Mae, Lizzie, Isla, Bria, Chloe, Megan, Sophie, Lottie, Hattie, Ruby, Eliza, Kiera, Lalita, Rory, Jake, Clara, Edward, Isla, Bea, Tessa, Freya, Martha, Karin, Hemani, Willow, Bea, Martha, Evie, Erin and Alan.

A very accomplished show that left all the audience, including myself, uplifted by the whole experience.  Congratulations to all the Cast, the Crew who kept the show moving through very fast and effective scene changes, and the lighting and sound team who kept the balance between stage and tracks at just the right level throughout.

I look forward to seeing you all again for Frozen JR next year if not before.. !

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