St. Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe brought Matilda the
captivating musical to life in their smash-hit annual show.
Matilda is the musical based on the Roald Dahl bestseller, Matilda,
about the free-spirited bookish little girl with super-powers who is sent away
to a horrible school run by a hideous disciplinarian called Miss Trunchbull.
St. Paul’s students captivated their audiences with this amusing and
exhilarating production of ‘Matilda the Musical.’ The time flew by as the
charismatic cast took the audience through a magical retelling of the story of
Matilda-a classic story of good triumphing over evil, with excellent
performances throughout.
Matilda’s father is a television worshipping, shifty car salesman who thinks
books are the root of all evil, and her mother is vacuous and shallow. When it
is time for the gifted young Matilda to go to school, a battle ensues between
her delightful, nurturing teacher Miss Honey and her school headmistress, the
fierce and tyrannical former hammer throwing champion, Miss Trunchbull.
Miley B was perfect for the show as Matilda, showing a brilliant range of
emotion and feeling. Her portrayal of Matilda’s defiance, imagination and
humour made for excellent viewing.
David B was incredible as Miss Trunchbull, embodying all the evil and
cruelty of the villain headmistress. Timid but heroic Miss Honey was brought to
life by Amy-Louise F who captured her kindness and strength wonderfully.
Charlie McWhirter was magnetic as Mr Wormwood, Grace T was hilarious as Mrs
Wormwood, with a variety of lavish outfits, and Imogen S played their son
Michael wonderfully. Heidi C made a highly entertaining dance partner in the
role of Rudolpho and Michael K gave a fantastic performance as Bruce.
The ensemble were consistently enchanting, with Big Kids and Little Kids
singing and dancing their way through complex lyrics and choreography with
captivating energy and talent.
The production was masterminded by Mrs Kathryn Slater, who worked tirelessly
with a dedicated and talented team of staff. The music, directed by Mr Cameron
Ryan, was fantastic. The dancing was energetic, precise and ambitious
throughout, choreographed skillfully by Miss Kevina Cunliffe. Ms Rebecca Coyle
and Ms Caroline McKeeney helped with the scenery which was outstanding. All
were supported by help from Ms Holly Lewis and Ms Kija Bowry. We would also
like to thank Drama MOB for the donation of scenery and props.
Mrs Kathryn Slater, Head of Performing Arts, who directed the show, said:
“What a fantastic performance of this much-loved story of an avid young reader
with superpowers trying to make sense of a world run mostly by hideously
grotesque adults.
“The pupils’ singing, dancing and acting was truly special. I was
extremely proud of our students-they worked so hard and put so much energy into
the show, making it a huge success.”
Head teacher Mike Whiteside paid tribute to ‘the talented pupils for another
fantastic production.’
“Matilda was a stunning show, delivered by an accomplished cast. There
were some outstanding performances and some inspired characterizations,” Mr
Whiteside said.
“Congratulations to our incredibly talented pupils for another fantastic
production. Credit must also go those staff who worked tirelessly to give our
pupils this fantastic opportunity. The show was amazing – a real spectacular.
It left songs in your head and a smile on your face.”
January 8, 2024
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