As an NSTA representative, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the school production of Matilda Jr on Monday 24th November 2025 at St Gregory’s Catholic High School, Warrington. Under the expert guidance of Head of Drama, Ms Chappel, the creative vision of Miss O’Connor, and the musical direction of Mr Richards, this vibrant and heartfelt rendition of the beloved musical was nothing short of extraordinary. Additional choreography for key numbers such as “Miracle”, “School Song”, and “Revolting Children” was beautifully crafted by Grace Goulding.
Matilda the Musical is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, with a script by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. It premiered with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2010 before moving to London’s West End in 2011 and Broadway in 2013. The musical won seven 2012 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical. Matilda Jr is a condensed, junior version of the musical, adapted for younger performers and audiences, featuring the same story of a bright, resilient young girl who discovers her own power as she navigates a world filled with challenges, colourful characters, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
From the moment the audience entered, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and warmth. The opening number “Miracle” burst onto the stage with infectious energy, instantly drawing the audience into the vibrant world of Matilda. The cast’s enthusiasm and tight coordination set an animated tone for the rest of the evening.
The lead cast members delivered truly impressive performances. The school had double cast the principal roles, giving more of their talented students a chance to shine. The cast I saw on 24th November was fantastic, and I’ve no doubt that the pupils in the alternate cast delivered performances every bit as brilliant. Emily delivered a beautifully nuanced portrayal of Matilda, balancing quiet strength with the innocence that defines the character. Her calm yet determined presence made her performance deeply compelling. Lucas was unforgettable as Miss Trunchbull; hilarious, bold, and clearly inspired by the iconic West End interpretation. It’s a major comic role that demands an actor to be fully committed to this larger than life character, and he rose to this challenge magnificently. He commanded the stage with confidence and flair, earning some of the biggest audience reactions of the night. Louisa’s portrayal of Miss Honey was endearing and heartfelt, offering a gentle counterbalance to the more outrageous characters on stage.
In addition to the exceptional performances in the lead roles, the supporting characters were equally impressive. The Wormwood family – played by Dominic and Georgia – excelled with outstanding comedic timing; their on-stage chemistry created numerous laugh-out-loud moments and showcased a strong understanding of the exaggerated humour central to the show.
The ensemble brought incredible spirit to the production, especially in high-energy numbers like “Revolting Children”. Their enthusiasm, precision, and commitment lifted the performance and created a dynamic, engaging atmosphere. Some particularly lovely moments were crafted in the library scenes featuring Mrs Phelps, the Escapologist, and the Acrobat.
The choreography from Grace Goulding in the standout musical numbers was lively, well-suited to the young cast, and filled the stage with purposeful and exciting movement. “The Smell of Rebellion” was skilfully choreographed by pupils and created a memorable moment through impactful formations. Mr Richards’ musical direction ensured that each number was executed with clarity and passion, showcasing the vocal strengths of both soloists and ensemble members.
The set, sound, and lighting design was wonderfully creative, with particular praise due for the wall mural and the clever use of elements such as the school gate which grounded the production in both whimsy and familiarity. This production clearly benefitted from the involvement of the wider school community, with pupils assisting with set painting and crafting of props such as the Matilda boxes, as well as supporting backstage. Their collective hard work demonstrated admirable unity and dedication; qualities that elevated the performance beyond the typical school show. Daniel did an incredible job as head of the technical team backstage, ensuring the smooth transition of radio mic swaps and all other elements of technical support. Kornel also deserves praise for the sound design, smoothly executing over fifty sound cues to ensure the fast pace of the show was maintained throughout. The lighting design by pupils Bertie and George was particularly effective, offering emotive shifts throughout and making wonderful use of projection to enhance the storytelling.
St Gregory’s production of Matilda Jr was a joyful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and storytelling. The cast and crew brought to life a beloved musical with sincerity, humour, and boundless enthusiasm, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. This performance truly highlighted the transformative power of drama in education. The talent, collaboration, and passion displayed by pupils and staff alike made for an unforgettable evening. St Gregory’s should be incredibly proud of what they achieved – a magical and heart-warming production that showcased the very best of school theatre.
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