Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Jr.

Walmsley AKT brought us their interpretation of Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly’s musical adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl classic, ‘Matilda’. Director Lara Syddall assembled a 27 strong cast of enthusiastic young performers, who were giving it their all throughout the whole performance. Along with assistance from Lindsay Farnworth, Lara had clearly worked diligently with the cast, as there were some fantastic characterisations from all performers, really creating that Matilda magic. The stage hosted a fixed set, with the Wormwood house stage right and Matilda’s bedroom stage left. Back projections gave a nice touch in displaying each scene setting and providing addition animations. Large alphabet blocks were used dynamically to provide a nice structure for scenes, representing tables, chairs and many other platforms.

Lighting by Nathan Emmison was colourful and vibrant, enhancing the action and musical numbers, with a lovely backlit moment, silhouetting the cast in that famous Matilda pose at the end. Sound by Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier was crisp and clear as has come to be expected from this duo, allowing the children’s vocals to come across perfectly. Costumes from ‘Practically Perfect’ gave us an array of wonderful visuals, from Mr Wormwood’s bright checked suit, to the escapologists’ cape and the Trunchbull’s military style suit.

Choreographers Hannah Feakin and Bethany Bentham put the cast through their dancing paces, as the whole cast gave their all with effective timing, creative unison movement and fantastic energy, especially during ‘Bruce’, ‘The Smell of Rebellion’ and ‘Revolting Children’. There was also some fantastic, almost choreographic style sign-language performed beautifully by Emily Tate during a couple of the numbers.

Several of the cast doubled up and shared their roles over the run of the show, with the ensemble providing brilliant support in their various guises as ‘big kids’, ‘little kids’, ‘parents’ and ‘mafia’. Holly Scholes was calm and caring in her roles as Librarian Mrs Phelps, enthusiastic to hear Matilda’s stories. Lucy Pendlebury and Lacie-Dior Orrell demonstrated some lovely poses and movement, as well as clear vocal delivery as the Escapologist and Acrobat. Samuel Dixon provided some comical moments in his delivery of brother Michael.

Theo Lindley and Aoife O’Donnell worked brilliantly together as the kooky yet neglectful parents Mr and Mrs Wormwood. They both demonstrated fantastic stage presence and brilliant cockney accents, which further enhanced their comedy. As Bruce, Eva Haywood demonstrated strong and confident vocals, and delivered the song ‘Bruce’ brilliantly, as she scoffed her way through the famous cake! As Matilda’s nurturing teacher, Miss Honey, Amelia Pearson gave a lovely performance, showing the warmth of the character and demonstrating some lovely singing during ‘When I Grow Up’ and also in the moving ‘My House’ which was a beautiful moment.

As the infamous Miss Trunchbull, Matthew Shallicker was every bit the fearsome headmistress. Matthew gave a fantastic characterisation, with clear projection in his RP accent, and every bit the sour-faced expression. Matthew demonstrated excellent comedy, fantastic vocals, and unwavering energy, especially in the wordy and fast-paced ‘Smell of Rebellion’, bravo! As the story’s heroine, Matilda, the role was shared by Niamh Turner and Ellie Hogg, with Ellie taking on the role at this performance. Ellie was strong, confident and never missed a beat. This role is no easy task and her vocals, characterisation and movements were certainly always on point. A particular vocal highlight was Ellie’s delivery of ‘Quiet’ and there was a really lovely moment between her and Amelia in ‘When I Grow Up’, with the swings suspended over their heads, which was a lovely visual touch. The cast were all incredibly enthusiastic throughout and it was clear the audience were all completely with them in sharing the joy of this wonderful show.

Congratulations to all involved, from cast, to crew and front of house. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality as always.

Matthew Gavin

The well-loved Roald Dahl story of a special little girl turned into a musical – with book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin - is a firm favourite, with mean and good teachers, unloving parents and her firing up her class mates into rebellion - the perfect recipe for a good story.

Walking into the hall a projection of the poster featuring a silhouette of Matilda in her defiant pose is on the back wall and then this is then used to re-iterate the settings, sometimes featuring titles. The projection is also used when Matilda makes the chalk write words on the board. Large blocks with various letters are then strewn around the stage, used in various ways especially in the class room scenes. At the beginning a table with cloth on and gifts and balloons for the birthday party scene. Letters were also on the middle flats of the stage. Stage Left was Matilda’s bedroom with bed and bookcase full of books and books also piled on the floor. Stage Right was The Wormwoods’ lounge with two seater settee, hat-stand, sideboard with vase and flowers and television. Centre Stage were steps coming down to the audience level with another small stage in front. Large gates were then brought on by stage staff and various other bits of set and props including two swings. The Stage Crew worked really hard changing the scenes: I did wonder if the cast could maybe have been given more to do to help for a swifter change-over. Stage Crew - Anne Cocking, Nora Howcroft, Dave McGreavy, Gill Pollitt, Linda West and Janet Witt. Lighting and Sound helped with the show Sound by Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier, Lighting and Projection by Norman Bowers and Nathan Emmison.

Costumes were all in keeping, starting off with the opening when they are all in fancy-dress outfits - all looked great – especially Mr Wormwood’s outrageous suit and the school unforms - Wardrobe by Lara Syddall. Choreographers were Hannah Feakin and Bethany Betham which all worked well and good use of the stage and I particularly liked the end where the whole cast did the Matilda defiant pose and Miss Trunchbull leap-frogging the children in her song.

Lara Syddall directs with the help of Lindsay Farnworth and it’s a real feel-good show. Good use of all the staging and some lovely moments: using the projection for the magic writing and the doll that is swung by Trunchbull. The opening was strong and the use of signing a great idea. Emily Tate who was part of the cast playing Parents and Big Kids did the signing. The audience looked to thoroughly enjoy the show.

With a cast of nearly thirty I will just pick a few out and well done to the supportive ensemble playing the Little and Big Kids, Parents and Mafia. When I grow up was delightful

Lacie-Dior Orell played Acrobat and Lucy Pendlebury the Escapologist and were the imagination of Matilda and acted out her stories. Mrs Phelps the librarian who was eager to hear Matilda’s stories was played by Holly Scholes. Mrs Wormwood as Matilda’s mum was uncaring and selfish as should be. Her brother Michael who only watched tv was played by Samuel Dixon.

Mr Wormwood played by Theo Lindley certainly got the accent down and character of the man who thinks his daughter is a son and is only interested in swindling people. Matilda gets her own back by dying his hair and gluing his hat on his head.

Mila McClellan plays Matilda’s friend and is responsible for the newt debacle gives a plucky performance as Matilda rubs off on her. Eva Haywood plays Bruce and Eva did a great job. Good energy and lovely voice.

Amelia Pearson gave a gentle performance as Miss Honey as should be. Bullied by her aunt, she eventually finds her place in life with the help of Matilda and her magic. Matthew Shallicker plays the awful Miss Trunchbull and looked to thoroughly enjoy the part - The Hammer and The Smell of Rebellion delivered with relish. “Newt in my pants” may stay with me a while!

Charlie Fairclough played Rudolpho and Little Kid. Charlie is a born performer and his face lit the stage up. The fact he was half the size of Mrs Wormwood was just hilarious. He embodied the character fully and gave his all, keeping in character all the time and with sass. One to watch.

Matilda was played by two people on alternative nights - Ellie Hogg and Niamh Turner - I saw Niamh Turner’s version. Niamh had a good connection with Amelia playing Miss Honey and enough boldness to take on Miss Trunchbull and her family. You never feel sorry for her as you know she will come good - she is smarter than most people. A charming performance from Niamh.

Lovely to see so many young people on stage and enjoying it with the support of Walmsley Church AODS. A real feel-good show. Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Angela and I.

Liz Hume-Dawson