Manchester: Matilda the Musical at Saint Paul's!

Miley B as Matilda

Saint Paul's Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester brought Matilda the captivating musical to life as their smash-hit annual show. What a show!! What a cast!

Matilda is the amazing musical based on the Roald Dahl's 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!

Saint 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 supported by fantastic 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."

"A triumph! Matilda was a stunning show, delivered by an accomplished cast. There were some outstanding performances and some inspired characterizations," said Head Teacher, Mr Mike Whiteside. "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!"

LINKS

Saint Paul's Catholic High School: www.st-paulshigh.net/

See more pictures from the show on St Paul's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063451577881