As NSTA representatives, we had the immense pleasure of seeing the brilliantly spirited Marist School production of Matilda Jr. on both Thursday 5th and Saturday 7th March 2026. Under the expert direction of Mrs Ellis – supported by the creative choreography of Charlotte Rich and Miss Boderick, and the sharp musical direction of Miss Tattersall – this company displayed such a depth of talent that they were able to successfully double-cast the pivotal roles of Matilda and Miss Honey.

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Matilda Jr. is a vibrant, condensed version of the multi-award-winning stage hit, which won seven 2012 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a clever and imaginative young girl who refuses to be held back by her uncaring parents or the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull. As the Marist School programme beautifully noted, it is “a story that celebrates bravery, imagination, and the power of standing up for what’s right.”

From the outset, the venue buzzed with anticipation. The audience was immediately delighted by the pre-show announcement from Miss Trunchbull; her stern warning to the “maggots” in the stalls to silence their phones set a perfectly humorous tone. When the curtain rose, it revealed a bold, playful set designed by Miss Broderick and Miss Tattersall. The proscenium stage, covered by large letter blocks against black backdrops, created a sophisticated aesthetic reminiscent of the original West End set design.

The opening number “Miracle” burst onto the stage with infectious energy. The vocal quality from the ballerina and soldier ensemble members was fantastic, providing a strong foundation for the spectacle to follow. The ensemble harmonies remained a consistent strength throughout. 

In Thursday’s cast, Lucia portrayed Matilda with remarkable confidence – particularly in her solo “Naughty”. Lucia performed with a gentle, sweet vocal tone that brought real emotion to the character. She was expertly paired with Georgie who was equally impressive as Miss Honey, portraying the character’s timid nature with great sensitivity. Her solo numbers “This Little Girl” and “When I Grow Up” were delivered beautifully, enhanced by a controlled and expressive vibrato. 

On Saturday, Aurelia exuded Matilda’s understated genius with poise, perfectly balanced with the character’s signature “cheeky” defiance. Her rendition of “Naughty” was full of life, and her delivery of the climactic “Quiet” – navigating both the sailing verses and the melodic chorus – was stunning. Tamara’s Miss Honey was equally compelling, conveying a sense of maturity and maternal warmth from her first entrance. Her performance of “This Little Girl” was flawlessly delivered, capturing the character’s inner turmoil with genuine heart.

Amber-Rose delivered a truly standout performance as the ruthless Miss Trunchbull. Commanding the stage with absolute authority, her impeccable comic timing and sharp physicality left her on-stage pupils convincingly terrified. Crucially, Amber-Rose embraced the ridiculousness of the role without sliding into mere caricature. Her lunges and pacing during the spelling scene – transforming from overconfident arrogance into exaggerated fear as the “chalk” began to write – were masterfully executed, and the physical comedy in reaction to Bruce’s burp in the cake scene caused riotous laughter. Her performance of “The Hammer” was exceptional, while “The Smell of Rebellion” was wonderfully synchronised as the ensemble were put through their paces by the Trunchbull in “phys ed” before forming a kick line. This performance by Amber-Rose was simply perfection.

The Wormwood household provided brilliant comedic relief. Lara’s Mr Wormwood was comically over-the-top, while Charlotte’s Mrs Wormwood was chillingly vain; her manic laugh as her husband destroyed Matilda’s library book was a highlight of cruel comedy. Gaelle’s Michael was wonderfully gormless, staring blankly at an imaginary television with hilarious commitment. Together, this trio effectively illustrated the lack of love and belonging that fuels Matilda’s journey.

The ensemble shone throughout. The uniformed ensemble marched with regimented precision in front of the looming gates in “School Song”, cleverly foreshadowing Trunchbull’s tyrannical rule. A particularly inventive highlight was the use of two pupils’ bodies to physically embody the letters of the alphabet, an acrobatic feat that added a unique flair to this high-tension number. “Chokey” was a short but atmospheric triumph of stomping choreography and haunting vocals, while “When I Grow Up” proved deeply moving. The gradual growth of the ensemble on stage, moving in powerful unison before dispersing in a wave as Miss Honey approached, was a sophisticated directorial touch. 

The ensemble’s performance during Matilda’s solo “Quiet” was another beautiful moment, as the classroom pupils, Miss Honey, and the Trunchbull moved in slow motion, shouting and cowering as Matilda sang, depicting her moment in the eye of the storm before the rest of the story rapidly unfolds. The “Acrobat Story” was another standout moment of narrative weaving, featuring Coco’s Escapologist and Lois’s Acrobat. Backed by Lois’s impressive flexibility and acrobatics, the sequence was anchored by Hannah’s Mrs Phelps, who remained suitably transfixed by the unfolding tale.

The production was further bolstered by dynamic classmates who ensured the stage felt alive. Rose, as Lavender, was wonderfully sweet and immediately likeable, while Lauren gave a highly entertaining performance as the bumbling Bruce Bogtrotter, particularly captivating the audience with her confident delivery of the opening and closing belting cries of “Revolting Children”. The ensemble’s performance of this final anthem burst with revolutionary energy, filling the stage with raised fists and unbridled enthusiasm.

Ultimately, this production captured everything that makes Matilda so special. It was a vibrant celebration of fun and theatre, beautifully highlighting the message that even the smallest person can make an enormous difference. Through its humour, heart, and high-calibre performances, The Marist School reminded us all just how inspiring Matilda’s courage remains.