REVIEW | Matilda JR, Swing Theatre
★★★★
Hundreds of people have recently protested against the ‘heartbreaking’ Arts Council Funding cuts. Coupled with the crippling effects of the pandemic and cuts to training opportunities across the UK in recent years, it seems that the future of this industry for aspiring young people is bleak. However, a Youth Theatre Company is demonstrating that there is still hope out there.
Swing Theatre offers professional practice for young performers aged 10-18 in Leicestershire. From their debut production of The Litle Shop of Horrors back in April 2022, they are making their voice heard loud and clear as one of the most exciting theatre companies for young people. Matilda JR echoes this statement with a bold, bright and inspiring production that will delight audiences.
This young cast has committed 22 weeks of sensational work, directed by Liam Patrick and choreographed by Jeanette Patrick-Cooper. Musical Direction comes from Gareth Wynne. The Mountsorrel Memorial Centre is the perfect venue for this cast to shine and Scenic Projects brings this popular stage production to life with clever staging.
Matilda Jr is the shortened 60-minute version of Tim Minchin's beloved musical (from the Roald Dahl novel), which keeps most of the songs and storyline and still delivers all the punches. With the recent Netflix film about to be released and the RSC production in its twelfth year; it offers a huge reputation as one of the most popular shows for audiences of all ages.
The musical would often use primary school-aged children and adults for the older children/adult roles but this production focuses on young talent only. Liam Patrick’s direction has ensured their talents are showcased to the best of their ability, whilst also executing a high-standard production. The amount of energy and enthusiasm alongside their performance quality was phenomenal and inspirational.
Chloe Rundle-Brown delivered an unforgettable performance as the almighty lead, Matilda. Perfectly timed and sung, she really did engage us throughout. Her renditions of ‘Naughty’ and ‘Quiet’ were showstoppers. I’d really like to see where she goes from this show! Jack Lee (Mr Wormwood) and Nelly Collins (Mrs Wormwood) were revoltingly delightful as Matilda’s parents, whilst Rory Stanton made Miss Trunchball utterly his own. He had fantastic characterisation in this role and was well crafted to suit him. There was also the sparky Tara Mackness who brought joy to Amanda Thripp and Tilly Bull gave us the warmth of Miss Honey’s character naturally.
Jeanette Patrick-Cooper’s choreography ensures that the noticeably popular songs from the musical pack a lot of punch. A lot of the movement style was well suited to the flow of this overall production. The ensemble did a fantastic job with first night blips to continue performing to their best. The blips are sure to be ironed out as the run goes on and they did not distract from a wonderful showcase of young talent.
Swing Theatre’s production of Matilda JR is probably one of the most inspiring pieces of youth theatre I have seen in a long time. It has been well directed and formulated for an enjoyable night at the theatre for the whole family.
Matilda JR is performing at Mountsorrel Memorial Centre until 19 November. You can book your tickets and find out further information about Swing Theatre via their website.