"Matilda JR" by Spotlight Theatre

 Saturday 26th March 2023

"Matilda JR"

By Spotlight Theatre Company.

Nottingham Arts Theatre

Matilda is a remarkable and popular musical by Tim Minchin about a young schoolgirl named Matilda Wormwood. Matilda is highly intellectual young student and has the power of telekinesis.  The show is based on the book “Matilda” written by Roald Dahl. Matilda is very intelligent even at an early age and she can read long novels by the age of four. Sadly, she is uncared for and overlooked and her high levels of intelligence and talent go unnoticed by her family and peers at school. Her mean head teacher, Miss Trunchbull, hates misbehaving children and goes to great lengths to humiliate and punish them when they step out of line! There is just one teacher, Miss Honey, who takes the time to understand Matilda and gets to know her for the smart girl she truly is. As the story progresses, we see Matilda’s confidence in herself and her knowledge grow and her relationship with Miss Honey gets even stronger.

Matilda (Grace Moroziuk) has great energy on the stage and shows off her stunning vocals. Her magic tricks are excellently done. I would go as far as to say it is perfect casting. I can’t take my eyes off her every time she is on stage.

(Grace Moroziuk - Matilda)

Matilda tells us a story about an acrobat who is married to escapologist who are played by Hemi Lewis and Lucy Horton, and together they work well and add a great deal to the enjoyment of the show.

(Hemi Lewis - Acrobat)

George Young (Mr Wormwood) was recently in Footloose and this time we see him as the ignorant selfish man that is Matilda’s father. I’m really enjoying watching him act. His accent, humour and comic timing are spot on.

(George Young - Mr Wormwood, Matilda’s Father)

Sophie Benner plays Miss Honey, and she has the most caring character when looking after Matilda during school time. This must be one of the biggest parts she has ever had and her vocals are beautiful. What a talent. I’m getting goosebumps just listening to her voice in her solo part.  This young woman could easily go on to more successes.

(Sophie Benner - Miss Honey)

The terrific hard-working ensemble are:  Scarlett, Alice, Evie, Alan, Caitlin, Hermione, Erin, Tilly, Dan, Jason, Lois, Mia-jay, Jack, Charlotte, Megan, Lottie, Stephanie, Lacie, Sophia, Ella-Mae, Lizzie, Isla, Bria, Chloe, Megan, Sophie, Lottie, Hatty, Ruby, Eliza, Kiera, Lalita, Rory, J.S., Clara, Edward, Tessa, Freya, Martha, Larin, Hemani, Willow, Bea, Martha, E.P and Isla - who is an absolute whizz on blades.

Zach Silcock is hilarious as Rudolpho, Mrs Wormwood's dance instructor. He is another cast member with great comedy skills and the audience love it when he moves those hips just like he thinks he is being sexy but funny with it.

Audiences always look forward to seeing the actor playing the evil Mrs Agatha Trunchbull. Tom Blakey does a brilliant job and really convinces you of Mrs Trunchbull’s meanness.

(Zach Silcock - Rudolpho Mrs Wormwood's)

Matilda the musical has some incredible songs such as “When I Grow Up, Revolting Children and a song called Naughty”. Anyone who comes to see this production by the young junior cast can expect a fun time and almost non-stop singing. The Matilda Jr show’s energy is very exciting to experience at The Nottingham Arts Theatre. It’s definitely five-star fun for all the family. 

Massive congratulations to all of the cast and crew for putting on an incredible show!! 

"Matilda Jr – Spotlight Theatre” is only on at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 26th March 2023.

Written By Owen Brindley