School Days! & Matilda JR

SCHOOL DAYS!

What a fun filled afternoon I had watching this cast of 50 talented youngsters present firstly the concert ‘School Days!’ followed by ‘Matilda Jnr.’ All of the numbers in the concert were themed around school days and what an interesting selection of numbers they were. The full company got off to a very strong start with the lively ‘Out of Darkness’ and was followed by the most difficult ‘Requiem’ impressively sung by Megan MacLean, En-yi-Lee and Kieran Burnett. Ru McKay delivered ‘Children Will Listen’ with real passion before the totally at ease Corin Wake and the joyous younger members of the company presented the ever popular ‘Any Dream Will Do.’

‘Dance With You’,which was new to me, was sung with confidence by Hannah Kelly and Katie Hardie before the mood changed as Ava Smith accompanied by elegant balletic dancers gave a most sincere rendition of ‘If I Met Myself Again.’ Emilia Moone nailed ‘Ring Of Keys’ while Lewis Boyd really lived the part of Evan Hanson with ‘Waving Through A Window.’ ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ was belted out by Sophie Watt. I loved ‘A Little More Homework’, another new number to me, with it’s powerful ensemble singing and dancing intertwined. Dean Gray’s ‘This Is The Moment’ was quite outstanding and sung with such maturity for a young man.

No matter how often I hear LY’s signature song ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ I always feel very moved by the their sincerity when they sing. Scarlett Archibald and Louisa Whyte led the company so sweetly in this number. ‘All In This Together’ concluded the programme with real vitality demonstrating the real sense of fun and joy in this company which is so lucky to have so many talented young people. This most impressive, well choreographed and directed concert was also brought to life with it’s colourful costumes and lighting appropriately enhancing each musical number.

 

MATILDA JR.

It was the younger members of the cast who were the main focus of ’Matilda JR’ and they well and truly smashed it. These cheeky, smiley pupils in their school uniforms gave it their all acting and reacting superbly. ’Revolting Children’ was particularly energetic and the choreography delivered slickly and with real purpose. The huge cast was vocally very strong and made a fabulous sound in all of their numbers.

Alice McAslan gave a most convincing, animated performance as Matilda acting with great confidence and with a strong singing voice. I particularly enjoyed ‘Naughty’ and ‘Quiet.’. Matilda is brought up in a most disfunctional family with mum Mrs Wormwood (April McLeod) strutting her stuff leaving us in no doubt about her priorities in life. Dad, Mr. Wormwood (Joseph Coane) was a natural on stage with very good comedy timing getting the most out his dialogue. Bobby Duncan was excellent in the role of Miss Trunchbull. He totally commanded the stage and not much wonder the pupils feared his threatening behaviour. ‘The Hammer’ was indeed scary. In complete contrast Miss Honey (Mija Cibuka) was played with genuine kindness and serenity in her attempt to support Matilda and her love of books and to care for her. Miss Honey doesn’t have a lot to sing but what she did have was lovely to listen to.

The many supporting roles were all performed well. The very laid back Michael (Lewis Boyd), Bruce (Kieran Taylor) forced to eat until he was sick, the very sweet Lavender (Rowan McLean) and all the others who had small but very important parts to play were believable.The older company members also played their parts as parents and other adult roles.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable production full of life and it was obvious that everyone on stage was having a wonderful time. With a production of this standard it is easy to forget just how young some of these children are. Congratulations to all of the cast, production team and all the LY family who encourage and support these youngsters giving them such wonderful opportunities. Together they ensure that musical theatre has a real future with so many up and coming stars. The beautiful dreamers once again excelled in a first class production of both shows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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