Last Friday, we closed the curtains on our final performance of Matilda The Musical Jr., and what a resounding success it has been. After months of hard work and dedication by our students and staff, they delivered five fabulous shows (three evening performances and two matinees) across three days, demonstrating the incredible talent here at The Holgate Academy.
Matilda The Musical Jr., with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and written by Dennis Kelly, is based on the 1988 novel Matilda by Roald Dahl. The musical’s narrative centres around Matilda Wormwood, a precocious girl who loves reading, overcomes obstacles created by her parents, and embarks on a journey to help her kind and timid teacher, Miss Honey, reclaim her life from the evil Agatha Trunchbull.
As part of the preparation and theatre experience for the students, we invited the cast to London to watch the current West End production of Matilda the Musical. It was an experience that was thoroughly enjoyed and a valuable exercise to help our students prepare for their own upcoming performance.
Since casting began back in September, our students have been rehearsing twice, sometimes three times a week after school. With 130 pages of script to learn, numerous songs, and a whole load of cues and choreography, our students handled it all, with many spending their own time practising lines with each other.
Over 50 students were involved in all aspects of the production (a record for us), and we have been amazed by the dedication and talent of all involved. A huge well done and thank you to each and every student who took part. The show could not have taken place without you.
