AMATEUR CHILDRENS THEATRE REVIEW: Matilda Jr - NWTAC Theatre, Moston. Manchester.

 

Elm Arts is a new company, and this, their production of 'Matilda Jr' at Moston's NWTAC Theatre, is their first outing. The company comprises children of all ages from the very youg  to the mid-teens, and they all came together this afternoon to provide us with a solid and proficient version of what has seemingly become a youth theatre classic; 'Matilda'. 

This was the Junior version, and so is written as a shorter and more relatable show for youngsters to get their teeth into, and these versions are usually around the 1 hour mark and performed without interval. This afternoon's show was somewhat longer than this and there was a rather incongruous interval too, but this was the only negative here.

Without a programme I cannot credit anyone sadly, but the director got the show off to a good start with nice use of the group's youngest and tiniest members. Colourful blocks with the letters M.A.T.I.L.D.A were used to good effect, and overall the simple set design along with a couple of bring-ons (done by the cast) worked excellently. The choreography was imaginative, creative, and the cast performed them all to a high standard, and this certainly helped move the show along. The singing was excellent, and it was clear that the cast had worked hard to bring about their characters to the depth of understanding and ability that they showed. Costuming was appropriate, the lighting design was simple but effective. What was most unfortunate was the sound levels. Some of the children were wearing mics which seemed not to be turned on at times, whilst other children were unmic'd and were completely inaudible beyond the front two rows. I have been reliably informed that the mics are quite costly and obviously this is something that was beyond the means of not just this company, but many others too; which is a shame, especially when dealing with youngstes who have not yet had the training to be able to project their voices sufficiently. The 'ah' factor was most definitly there though, and with a supportive audience of family and friends, this was a superb start to a company which obviously knows much about theatre and stagecraft, and just like the blocks of MATILDA, this show was an excellent and sturdy starting block from which to build. I know of many dance companies and private theatre schools in the area who have been going for many years and still have not acheived the standard and talent I saw on display this afternoon. 

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall

on - 27.1.24