‘Matilda’ at Wreake Valley Academy

At Wreake Valley Academy, rehearsals for the High School production of ‘Matilda’ the musical are well underway. Following tense auditions in February, pupils in years 7,8 and 9 have been dedicating their Wednesday evenings in preparation for the performances taking place on the 2nd, 4th and 5th of July. Although our previous shows have been both directed and organised by the head of drama, Carla Connolley, this production is unique as it is entirely student led. A handful of sixth form students studying either music or drama, including myself, have volunteered to direct, choreograph, teach singing or be a part of our tech and backstage crew following previous experience in our shows. We have all leapt at the chance to take a lead role in the creative process and to create a fun and supportive community in which students can build their confidence and lasting friendships.
Due to the success of the recent film and stage production, ‘Matilda’, the musical was chosen to encourage more younger students to take part: an evident success as around seventy KS3 students auditioned. Although it is mandatory to attend auditions; no child is ever turned away. All are immediately welcomed as soon as they step through the stage doors.
However, this year we had an unprecedented number of talented pupils aiming for a lead role making the casting for main characters extremely difficult, so double casting was required. This included the role of ‘Matilda’, split between the incredibly talented year 8 students, Phoebe Galbraith and Evie Smith. “Being double cast is difficult but supportive” remarked Phoebe, as they have to learn the role of both ‘Matilda’ and ensemble with Evie agreeing that it is “useful to learn choreography together” despite the difficulties. Phoebe affectionally added that “you can make a new friend” – exactly what our shows at Wreake Valley strive to achieve.
Rehearsals play a pivotal role in supporting young actors to build their characterisation and execute a fantastic performance. The comedic duo of Jack Moorhouse, in year 8 and Frankie Walker, in year 9, have spent weeks perfecting the hilarious dynamic between Mr and Mrs Wormwood. Both have taken part in previous shows and are buzzing for the moment they can return to the stage and have “all your nerves disappear and be replaced with confidence and adrenaline”. The pair agreed that doing the school productions has massively improved both their confidence and resilience
For me, having done previous shows, this has been the most rewarding outcome of doing theatre and, it is even more rewarding to see as a director knowing that it has a true impact on personal growth.
Arguably, the rehearsal process is just as enriching for the sixth form volunteers as for the cast members
Our choreographer, Careen Blair in year 12, takes charge of the lead dancers and skilfully directs the movement and dance for large numbers such as the ‘School Song’ and the fan favourite ‘Revolting Children’. Though humbly stating that this is her ‘first time choreographing to such a large scale’, Blair has attended a dance school since 2013 and taught dancing for four years. Also, you may recognise her for playing ‘Sandy’ in our most recent production of ‘Grease’. She states, “the best part about being choreographer is being able to collaborate with the dancers, share ideas and work as a team to get the best performance possible onstage” and that the productions have helped her to “get an idea of what it’s like to work in theatre” as she is currently considering it as a career option.
Behind the scenes, Todd Hammersley, also in year 12, is responsible for sound and mics during the performance and has enjoyed the switch from his character as ‘Eugene’ in ‘Grease’ to a more technical role; there is a place for everyone in theatre for all skill sets.
Tickets for ‘Matilda’ will be on sale from the main office of Wreake Valley Academy, via Arbor for parents and on the door (depending on availability). Tickets cost £7 for adults and £6 for children and concessions with each performance set to begin at 7pm.
All proceeds go directly to the ‘show fund’ to ensure that every year students have the opportunity to express their talents both onstage and backstage, develop their confidence and, most importantly, have fun.
By Emily Barrow
Year 12 Bradgate sixth form