This year the Music & Theatre Productions cast took to the stage to present the sensational hit musical of Matilda Jnr.
The musical is a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
This year the cast, accompanied by a phenomenally talented live student band, was fronted by the sensational acting and vocal skills of Eeva T, our resident Matilda. Her incredible maturity and professionalism was second to none, especially when we remember that Eeva is only in Year 7 and had a majority of the lines in the play!
Supporting our fabulous lead were the evil Wormwood parents played by our fantastic comedy actors in Year 12; Olivia R and Sophie B. Accompanied by Liam G as Michael, the acting scenes between songs in the Wormwood house had people gasping and frustrated in equal measure, as Matilda fights to break free from the tyrannical household.
Outside of the Wormwood house poor Matilda had nowhere to escape at the terrifying Trunchbull; played by sensational Year 9 Emily C, made her school life hell! But rallying with her equally ‘revolting children’ and supported by the sincere Librarian (Darcy M) and the darling Miss Honey (Elle G), Matilda triumphs, with the help of a newt and some epic mind powers.
It goes without saying that this show was not only a delight to perform, but also our staff were thoroughly passionate in staging this production.. Our epic advanced dancers twirled, stomped and lifted their way through dance numbers thanks to our volunteer choreographer; ex-student Morgan B. Alongside them our fantastic ensemble endured tireless rehearsals, manoeuvring set, hitting those harmonies excellently and encouraging our audience to connect with their ‘naughty’ sides alongside Matilda.
This year also saw an incredible student live band, all from years 7-13 and once again wowing us and audience alike, with their professionalism, skills and commitment. We also had an incredible production team from across the school to help everything do smoothly; form our Art department who produced some amazing sets, to our tech team Iesha L (Yr13) on lighting, along with Karolina W, James E and Luke G on sound and our A level Photographers for capturing rehearsal and the performance images.
Congratulations to everyone who took part, we look forward to another fantastic performance next year.