The curtain is about to open on the last big show of an incredible year. A year which has seen no fewer than 12 big productions take to the stage, a year in which new faces have brought old characters to life and a year in which old stories have been retold with a fresh new twist. 2022 has certainly been the year of the classics; Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast and now Matilda; surely some of the best children’s stories ever written.
Matilda is one show that I have always wanted to produce and direct. I fell in love with the show after watching it in London a few years ago, and to this day still remains in my top 5 favourite musicals ever. Its so cleverly written with a real focus on the words and lyrics which is something I always look for in a show. Some shows have 2 or 3 great songs, but in the case of Matilda, I would say every song in the piece is exceptional.
I think the other reason I loved the show so much is because of its theme. For many years I have championed the talents of young people. I have constantly been inspired by the children I teach and draw many comparisons with my own life and the life of the characters in the story.
Like Matilda I love to tell stories, my mind is constantly turning with new ideas of how best to tell them. Like Miss Phelps I love to hear the stories of others too, I am genuinely fascinated by what goes on inside the tiny heads of my children and my students. Like so many of them, Matilda just wants someone to listen and just like Miss Phelps I am often that person.
I love Miss Honey, and although nobody would ever describe me as someone who is sweet, soft and lacking confidence; I am someone who wants the best for those around me. I see the best in people and try to see past the proverbial “cover of the book”. I think it would be wrong to write this reflective comparison without talking about my perceived likeness to the shows villain; Miss Trunchball. Hopefully I can’t draw too many.
I think like “Trunch” though, I am someone who likes to win. I am the competitive type that sees real value in competition. I think competition in life helps us to learn and evolve and makes for the most compelling of stories. Unlike Agatha Trunchball though, I think children should be encouraged to lose too. To be ok with failing, if failing means they have learned something new.
I think above all, I love the show because it puts children at the heart of the story. Children who’s intelligence, defiance and spirit are able to conquer anything when shown a little love and kindness from the adults in their lives.
I hope you enjoy the biggest Junior Show in my 20 years of theatre.