With much trepidation, this Old Scotch boy ventured forth to *gasp* Guildford Grammar to watch a small army of students from Years 4 to 6 perform in the Tim Minchin (music and lyrics) by way of Roald Dahl musical about a brilliant young girl with the power of telekinesis. Think Carrie but with less mayhem. Seriously though, it is a great musical with wit, heart and memorable songs including When I Grow Up.
And I'm here to tell you, I really enjoyed this show.
The production elements were well done - from the detailed set design for Crunchem Hall and all the attendant moving parts such as a myriad of robust desks; excellent lighting design and execution by GSD Productions; an impressive array of costumes for so many performers (Costume Designer, Mardi Shaw), and the sound quality was good with few hiccups (Audio Design, Ashton Admor and Sound Technician, Caris Lloyd). Kudos also to Samantha Martinez for designing a wonderful chocolate cake.
There were several stand out performances starting with Grace Perez-Olea Hulley as an empathetic Matilda who sang well and radiated the sincerity and intelligence needed for the character. Isobel Bower-Martinez was a softly spoken Miss Honey who embodied kindness in an understated performance that worked well. Of course, every great protagonist needs a great villain and Nava Adin was outstanding as Miss Trunchbull with an arresting stage presence and flair to burn.
I enjoyed the antics of the Wormwood family, especially Jack Colefax as Mr Wormwood while August Bennetts made for a flamboyant Rudolpho. Jovie Wilkins and Kaylie-Ann Coetzee were featured as the Escapologist and Acrobat respectively but there were so many others with little moments that made an impression. Like Hamish Brandish Muir's cake eating skills as the put upon Bruce. Then there's the vast ensemble which Director Caroline Edwards utilised well in the big set piece numbers.
All done in a brisk ninety minutes with no intermission that had me smiling in delight throughout. This Scotch boy approves!
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