When I grow up 
I will be tall enough to reach the branches 
that I need to reach to climb the trees.
You get to climb when you’re grown up

I’m a huge fan of youth theatre, as my reviews show, and I had no hesitation about going to see Matilda Jr, even though I experienced the full version in the West End only a few months ago. And in Script Youth Musical Theatre Company, you know you are always going to be entertained with high quality. Now, Matilda Jr was an outing for the younger members of the company, with only one part played by someone outside the age bracket of 10 to 14. But the professionalism was still there for all to see.

Based on Roald Dahl’s book, Matilda tells the story of a young girl who is thrown from the frying pan into the fire when her awful, unloving family send her to Crunchem Hall School under the tyrannical rule of Miss Trunchbull. In the title role of Matilda, we had Tilly Cartwright who was every bit as good as the child stars I saw in London during that performance. Just the right combination of sass and vulnerability, delivered with perfect vocals and great character.

On the school staff, though, was Trunchbull, played with fire and brimstone by Maddie Howard who totally captured the intimidating presence and was genuinely frightening at times. Then, at the opposite pole was the pleasant mentor of Matilda in Miss Honey, beautifully portrayed by Gracie Reynolds who once again showed a pure but strong voice. Another adult friend to Matilda is Mrs Phelps the librarian, and in this role, Peyton Lockley was also strong. Mrs Phelps appears during interlude segments where Matilda tells the tale of the Escapologist (Lois Rollings) and the Acrobat (Poppy Kerr). Great gymnastic skills on show.

But all Roald Dahl tales have baddies, with the Wormwood’s being arguably as nasty as Trunchbull. Wonderfully horrid and performed excellently by Darci Rice (Mrs Wormwood), Edward Lawlor (Mr Wormwood) and Robin Lawlor (Michael). Joining the Wormwoods was Arlo Conway-Ford as Rudolpho, the dance partner who had me in stitches with his moves around Miss Honey when she visits to family.

But a performance is not just the sum of the principals, and every person counts. Therefore, all on top of their game and seemingly having the time of their lives were Niamh Mulligan (Lavender), Mae Gregory-Martin (Bruce), Millie Parsons (Hortensia), Kitty Scrivens (Sergi), Leo Stubbington (Eric), Frankie Donahoe (Alice), Polly Lewis-Avozdenovic (Amanda Thripp) and Izabel Devlin (Mechanic). As dancers, we had Isla Thorp and Amelia Green while the big kids were Ava Faulkner, Presley-Ann Owen, Effie Jobling and Izzy Round. Then, completing the ensemble, we had Phebe Roberts, Georgia Lewis, Melody Thompson, Isla-Rose Thompson, Dottie Twigg, Olivia Watkins, Lexi Roberts, Zachary Duke, Taylor Howard and Jade Owen.

There are some magical numbers in this show: Miracle, Naughty, School Song, When I Grow Up and Revolting Children. But there was nothing at all revolting here. All were brilliant, and credit must go to the structure of Script and the production team of Louise Sall and Tim Rice on direction, with Erin Mooney working excellent choreography, plus good vocal coaching from Sarah Jones.

I always get a great welcome from Script, and much of this is down to a marvelous Front of House led by Clare Russell. A great youth company throughout. When these kids grow up, they will be reaching for more than simply the tall branches, they will be attaining top roles in big companies, and even the professional stage.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt 

*Photos blatantly taken from social media.