Matilda Jr The Musical at Bedstone College. A Review

Thanks to an obsessed daughter, I have seen a few different productions of Matilda Jr the Musical recently, including the film version. However as I drove through the school gates and up to the grand Grade 2 listed building that is Bedstone College, this somehow felt different...

It felt like the school was almost part of the production itself, it just seemed a perfect setting for the magical story of Matilda Wormwood. Parking was efficient and before long we were in this amazing traditional hall, with the stage dressed perfectly to tell this wonderful story.

Knowing the producers as I did, I was confident of this been a well put together version of the musical, however as the lights dimmed and the music started, I really did not know what to expect.

Very quickly I was first transported to Matilda's house, then to Crunchem Hall Primary. The set design and lighting was very well done, and very quickly I forgot where I was, and was tapping along to the musical, occasionally glancing over at my daughters excited face.

So what made this version different and worth seeing? I think really it was the end that summed it up, children (a lot I assume who attended Bedstone College) just having an amazing time, having fun, and this captures the essence perfectly of the Roald Dahl story. The actress who played Matilda at times sounded eerily similar to the actress in the recent film version, and confidently held the stage on her own. All the songs were sang note perfect, with special mention to the actress playing Miss Honey.

The only real mistake during the whole production was when they couldn't find Mr Wormwoods briefcase, however this was handled like seasoned pros by the actors playing the wormwoods, and probably drew one of the biggest laughs of the evening.

All in all, this was a credit to Jack Ludwig and his production team, but also a credit to Bedstone College, it is obvious that pupils here love playing host to events like this, and if they deliver them all with this much quality, long may they continue to put them on.