Darnall Musical Theatre Group presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr
11th – 13th July 2024 at The Darnall Education Centre
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Director and Musical Director Janet Black
Producer Jack Taylor
Ass Musical Director Beth Black
Choreographer Sara Kitchen
What does a true community theatre Co decide when their summer production is Matilda JR , mostly involving a large cast of young performers and only running at approx. 1hr. How do they keep all their adult cast involved along with some of the more senior youngsters. They make the evening into two halves rather than one. The interval between giving time to create the school room feel along with lettered squares used on the walls along with a series of stage boxes, again lettered, and used in various arrangements throughout.
The company under the guidance of Janet Black, Jack Taylor, Sara Kitchen and Beth Black created a first half under the title of A Musical Prelude containing many iconic numbers from past productions. This showcase gave opportunity to the members not on stage in Matilda along with seeing the ever-increasing skills of the more senior society youngsters. The production was hosted by Jack Taylor and mainly Dylan Bowman, who kept the evening moving along with clear concise introductions to each of the sections. Performing songs from We Will Rock You, Shrek, Anything Goes, Mamma Mia, The Addams Family, Hairspray, Into the Woods and Sister Act. This showcase allowed many performer’s to fill the stage with flair, smiles, lovely singing and cleverly though out movement. The simplicity of society clothing worked well conforming to modern day rules except of course when performing Mama I’m a Big Girl from Hairspray, great fun. Whilst enjoying all the numbers I must single out Mother and Daughter Janet and Beth with their performance of Slipping Through My Fingers from Mama Mia along with No One is Alone from Into the Woods by Beth, Charlie and Natasha.
Matilda JR. As above the same production team brought the best out of the actors in this classic tale of Matilda. Matilda the young lady with special powers, addicted to reading along with a wild imagination depicted at varying times during the production and cleverly shown through projections to the rear of the stage. The daughter of dreadful parents whose sole aim is based round greed and self-satisfaction, taking no recognition of the intelligence of Matilda with her desire to do well. I like how all the actors are given named parts and taking nothing from all their effort certain characters performing the principal roles were more heavily involved. Trunchbull by Charlie Betts the tough unforgiving headmistress who really didn’t like children at all. Miss Honey by Emily McDonald, the kind teacher supporting and encouraging her pupils. Mrs Phelps by Poppy Rae Smith, Bruce by Mia Hull, Michael by Elliot Woolliscroft, Escapologist by Isla Overend-Hogg, Acrobat by Millie Simpson all performing well with clear diction and characterisation.
Trunchbull a great character part which you played well, showing such nastiness to your pupils, lovely timing on your lines and song involvement. Mr & Mrs Wormwood, well done, two well performed and delivered roles. These parts require total conviction in being so self-obsessed, really hating your daughter for her wish to learn and the constant reference of ‘my boy’ from Dylan. Your wheeling and dealing didn’t win the day after all. The role of Matilda was shared between Maiya Green and Millie Warhurst.
The part of Matilda being totally integral often is shared, not only because of the performance demand required but also as a cover in the event of illness. I Am sure both these young actors perform to the highest standard having had the pleasure of seeing them in previous productions. I saw Maiya Green who gave an excellent portrayal of Matilda, your acting, stage presence and singing all delivered with poise and skill. You maintained the highest level throughout and your performance singing ‘ Quiet’ was excellent . A tough demanding role performed well.
There are so many cameo roles in this production involving 32 actors, and whilst not mentioned specifically by name takes nothing away from your performance. As a company you certainly took full advantage of your talented production team and performed their instruction with one hundred percent conviction. It is always a pleasure to visit Darnall MTC who continue to enrich the family atmosphere and ethos from the minute you enter with the warm smiles and greetings from FOH to the production teams and performers alike. Long may it continue. The sets and many changes were carried out efficiently, with lighting and sound adding to the overall production. The costumes all looked well thought out and fitted the production perfectly.
Finally I had the privilege of awarding 10 noda long service awards, three to young cast given five year awards then up to 10 and 15 year awards, then to 25 and 30 year awards culminating in a 40 year award to Janet Black. The evening finishing with a fine rendering of Happy Birthday to Janet.
Thank you all for yet another memorable evening with Darnall MTC .
Philip Smith
Noda NE District 6 Regional Rep.
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