I've had the pleasure of seeing many, many touring productions that have had children involved, and have marvelled many times at the talent the groups of young actors have. Their confidence and stage presence have wowed me. Spotlight Theatre's cast of young actors are on a par with any of the touring productions that I have seen which have children as leads and ensemble. Who needs Sylvia Young or Italia Conti when you have Amanda Hall and her group of tutors?

On several occasions you can spot a young actor looking to another for guidance or for what the next dance step is, and that's fine as everyone has to learn, and looking to their peers, whatever age, is good. The cast of "Matilda Jr" did not look once to any other and every single young actor knew what they needed to do and when to do it. That not only showed me that they were absolutely loving what they were doing, but also that they have enjoyed the whole process of being taught this musical inside out; a credit to the adults who directed, choreographed and taught this insanely talented bunch of stars.

Anyway, for anyone who doesn't know the story, here's a quick taster of what it's all about. Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules.

This is a big class, so I am only going to pick some of my highlighted characters and actors, but I was so impressed by every single person on that stage, and as I always say, the only difference between professional and amateur productions is the cost of the ticket.

Matilda is played by Grace Moroziuk. This young lady is full of energy, has oodles of stage presence and has a wonderful voice, and she even performed a bit of magic with Trunchball's beaker - I still can't work that bit out. Playing the lead role has not affected her confidence; Grace is the perfect choice to play Roald Dahl's magical and witty character.

Finlay Tomlinson, who I've seen now a few times on stage and just grows on me more and more, plays Bruce Bogtrotter; he's the character you may remember who has to eat the whole of Trunchball's chocolate cake. This young man has such a growing talent; his singing just gets better and better and he is developing such a strong voice, especially in the opening of "When I Grow Up", and he can really do comedy. I was looking, during the scene where he has to eat the cake, as to where the cake actually went to, and it really did just seem to disappear. Finlay could have another string to his bow as an illusionist!

George Young, who has only just finished playing Ren in "Footloose" at the Arts Theatre, plays Mr Wormwood, Matilda's father. I loved the comedy, the accent, the characterisation, his timing. There really was nothing there not to like, and George's acting CV is showing some excellent parts, and this is just another one to add to the list.

Mrs Wormwood, the mother, is played by Connie Tegerdine, who I'm not sure if I've seen before. What a wonderful little actor she is, and will be as the years go by. She completely lived the part of Matilda's mother and I loved her facial expressions as well as her brilliant Southern accent. What a talented little star she is shaping up to be.

Preston Nash is another young actor who always seems to impress me. Preston plays Michael Wormwood, Matilda's hippy-esque brother. He doesn't have a lot of lines to learn but those he has hit home spectacularly. Just saying "backwards" in several ways caused eruptions of laughter from the audience.

Mrs Phelps, the librarian, and Matilda's great friend is played by Emily Holder. A low key character in some ways but Emily plays the part wonderfully. When Mrs Phelps and Matilda are on stage you're drawn into the story related by Matilda.

The story in question, as told by Matilda is about an acrobat, played by Hemi Lewis and and escapologist who is married to the acrobat and their daring feat. Lucy Horton plays the escapologist and between the pair of them, they keep us on tenterhooks with their escapade.

Miss Honey is played by one of the sweetest of young actors, Sophie Benner. I've seen Sophie many times and watched her grow into the performer that she has turned into. I know that this part is her biggest, especially script wise, but she absolutely nailed the paty. Her voice is also as sweet as anything, and when she holds those long notes they are strong and pure; a beautiful voice.

Agatha Trunchball is a real piece of work and playing this nasty character is Tom Blakey. He has the ability to magnetise and hypnotise you all at the same time, you really can't take your eyes off of him when he is on stage. His delivery of Trunchball's nastiness is wonderful. he takes his time as he circles the stage, pacing his part perfectly. I am sure that I have seen Tom somewhere before but could not remember, with this role, I know I won't forget him.

Rudolpho is Mrs Wormwood's dance instructor, but Zach Silcock who plays this role is brilliantly funny. He plays it just this side of camp and his dance moves and narcissism are so funny to experience on stage. Yet another young actor who is building a pretty good acting CV, and shows that he can play various roles. the young ladies in the audience especially seemed to appreciate his gyrations. Those hips don't lie!

I could comment on every young person but I'll be here forever and you'd need an interval half way through, but I do want to mention them all.

Emily Taylor (Eric), Etta Stevens (Erica), Holly Towley (Tommy), Betsey Barnett (Amanda Thripp), Caitlin-Rose Robinson (Lavendar), Lyla Callandine (Alice), Brooklynn Coleman (Hortensia), Lyla Wilkinson (Nigel), Darcey Adams (Sergei) - who by the way Darcey, I loved that accent.

And to the vast ensemble of Caitlin, Dan, Hermione, Jason, Erin, Tilly, Lois, Mia-jay, Scarlett, Alice, Jack, Charlotte, Megan, Lottie - who looks set to follow in her sister's footsteps - Stephanie, Lacie, Sophia, Ella-Mae, Lizzie, Isla, Bria, Chloe, Megan, Sophie, Lottie, Hatty, Ruby, Eliza, Kiera, Lalita, Rory, J.S., Clara, Edward, Isla - who is an absolute whizz on blades by the way - , Bea, Tessa, Freya, Martha, Larin, Hemani, Willow, Bea, Martha, Evie, E.P. and Alan.

Directed by Amanda Hall; well what can I say, I'll soon be changing her name to Midas, as everything she touches turns to gold. One of the most professional and entertaining shows for a young cast that I've had the pleasure of seeing.

Choreographed by Bethany Wear. Once more, the way that these young stars carried out the choreography is testament to the teaching they received. The dancing was timed perfectly and there were some lovely gentle touches to bring the light and shade into the choreography.

The Musical Director is a man who is perfection himself, Ray Mcleod. As with the choreography, the vocals and timing of these young singers and actors show that they listened to everything that ray has taught them. ray really knows his stuff and when you have a teacher/musical director with his wealth of knowledge and know how, you learn, and you enjoy learning.

The Lighting Design was by Oliver Read, who unfortunately was off with Covid - get well soon mate. The application of the design was done impeccably, especially when we learnt of the additional "chokies" from Trunchball.

The Sound Design was by Rob Kettridge, again I think I remember being told that there was another person who operated the design this afternoon. Whoever it was, the sound was spot on; I heard every word and not one missed cue as far as I remember.

The set design was simple but very effective with multi-level staging by Spotlight, Roydon Charlesworth and The Young Performers.

The stage management was executed brilliantly and completely inobtrusive and with Nigel Newton, Laura Ellis and Alannah Kight, Patrick McChrystal, Madelyn Pritchard and Bronwen Webster in charge of stage setting and removal, a smooth transition was always on the cards.

A brilliantly catchy soundtrack with songs like "Naughty", "Revolting Children" and the brilliant "When I Grow Up" will have you tapping your toes and clapping along.

I will also just mention the very young lady who sat on the table when the curtains were drawn back, I'm sorry I don't know her name, but to be the first face seen by the audience and to open with such a strong voice was, not only very brave, but a fantastic introduction to what is the best version of this musical I've seen to date; even better than the UK touring production from a few years ago.

There are so many bright stars shining bright in this show, and with their exuberance and energy they give out, I feel that they have a bright future on stages local and widespread.

Matilda is a remarkable and popular musical by Tim Minchin about a young schoolgirl named Matilda Wormwood. Matilda is highly intellectual young student and has the power of telekinesis. The show is based on the book “Matilda” written by Roald Dahl. Matilda is very intelligent even at an early age and she can read long novels by the age of four. Sadly, she is uncared for and overlooked and her high levels of intelligence and talent go unnoticed by her family and peers at school. Her mean head teacher, Miss Trunchbull, hates misbehaving children and goes to great lengths to humiliate and punish them when they step out of line! There is just one teacher, Miss Honey, who takes the time to understand Matilda and gets to know her for the smart girl she truly is. As the story progresses, we see Matilda’s confidence in herself and her knowledge grow and her relationship with Miss Honey gets even stronger.

Matilda (Grace Moroziuk) has great energy on the stage and shows off her stunning vocals. Her magic tricks are excellently done. I would go as far as to say it is perfect casting. I can’t take my eyes off her every time she is on stage.

Matilda tells us a story about an acrobat who is married to escapologist who are played by Hemi Lewis and Lucy Horton, and together they work well and add a great deal to the enjoyment of the show.

George Young (Mr Wormwood) was recently in Footloose and this time we see him as the ignorant selfish man that is Matilda’s father. I’m really enjoying watching him act. His accent, humour and comic timing are spot on.

Sophie Benner plays Miss Honey, and she has the most caring character when looking after Matilda during school time. This must be one of the biggest parts she has ever had and her vocals are beautiful. What a talent. I’m getting goosebumps just listening to her voice in her solo part. This young woman could easily go on to more successes.

The terrific hard-working ensemble are: Scarlett, Alice, Evie, Alan, Caitlin, Hermione, Erin, Tilly, Dan, Jason, Lois, Mia-jay, Jack, Charlotte, Megan, Lottie, Stephanie, Lacie, Sophia, Ella-Mae, Lizzie, Isla, Bria, Chloe, Megan, Sophie, Lottie, Hatty, Ruby, Eliza, Kiera, Lalita, Rory, J.S., Clara, Edward, Tessa, Freya, Martha, Larin, Hemani, Willow, Bea, Martha, E.P and Isla - who is an absolute whizz on blades.

Zach Silcock is hilarious as Rudolpho, Mrs Wormwood's dance instructor. He is another cast member with great comedy skills and the audience love it when he moves those hips just like he thinks he is being sexy but funny with it.

The production is directed by Amanda Hall and there is clearly a lot of effort and love given to it by her direction. It has to be one of the very best productions that Spotlight Theatre have put on, in my opinion.

Audiences always look forward to seeing the actor playing the evil Mrs Agatha Trunchbull. Tom Blakey does a brilliant job and really convinces you of Mrs Trunchbull’s meanness.

Matilda the musical has some incredible songs such as “When I Grow Up, Revolting Children and a song called Naughty”. Anyone who comes to see this production by the young junior cast can expect a fun time and almost non-stop singing. The Matilda Jr show’s energy is very exciting to experience at The Nottingham Arts Theatre. It’s definitely five-star fun for all the family.

Massive Congratulations to all of the cast and crew for putting on an incredible show!!

"Matilda Jr – Spotlight Theatre” is only on at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 26th March 2023.

Written By Owen Brindley

Edited By Phil Lowe

It is testament to Amanda Hall and her team that they can co-ordinate a cast of close to 70 young people to entertain 4 sell out audiences over a weekend. Once again Spotlight Theatre company, entertain and enthral with a note perfect adaptation of Matilda Jr.

What shone through was the sheer joy that every one of those young people was experiencing on stage, from the more experienced Seniors to the lively youngsters, everyone played their part and gave it their all.

I have been watching Spotlight productions for close to 10 years now and there have been some truly memorable lead performances over the years, and we can now add another to this very proud roster. Grace Moroziuk was, to not put too fine a point on it, SENSATIONAL as Matilda. Completely in control of her own performance from the moment she stepped foot on the stage, the care and attention to detail meant that she owned every scene she was in, and that voice, well stand back Broadway there is a triple threat on the way. What a talent, what a stage presence, what a pleasure to witness such a great performance.

I just want to mention a couple of others who have both been at Spotlight for quite a few years who have perhaps been more in the background but really took their chance to shine tonight. First, Finlay Tomlinson as Bruce Bogtrotter. Finlay’s comic timing was spot on and who knew that voice was there all along. His cheerleading of Revolting Children was goosebump inducing.

Second up Mr Tom Blakey as Agatha Trunchball. I first saw Tom as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family 5 years ago and he made me laugh then and he made howl with laughter tonight. Tom has always had pinpoint comic timing but I was thrilled to see him given the opportunity to be front and centre, for the first time. It was a superbly malicious, nasty and yet brilliantly funny performance. Well done Tom.

What was truly great about this production was that the younger members of the company were pushed front and centre, with a hugely generous performance from our Seniors. George Young, Emily Holder, Hemi Lewis, Lucy Horton, Preston Nash, Darcey Adams and Zach Silcock (sob last sob show sob) are always great value for money and none of them disappointed in smaller roles than they were probably used to.

Sophie Benner proved once again what a solid performer she is as Miss Honey with some sparkling vocals. Sophie had the tough task of playing the less showy, more gentle role but gave a hugely mature and controlled performance.

I must mention Connie Tegerdine as Mrs Wormwood, who nearly stole the whole show. I haven’t seen Connie before, but what a hilarious performance as the self-absorbed mum who had a bit of thing for old “snake-hips” Silcock (again sob sob sob).

As good as the older members were, this show was built around the youngsters and they were all simply brilliant, special mention to Lyla Wilkinson as Nigel and of course tiny Emily Taylor as Eric who apparently is only 6 but did not miss a beat all night. The rest of the class were all excellent, Etta Stevens, Holly Towley, Betsey Barnett, Caitlin-Rose Robinson, Lyla Calladine and Brooklynn Coleman.

The truth is every single person on that stage tonight gave it their all, and what a pleasure it was to witness it. The joy and sheer energy created in that theatre tonight was so uplifting as an audience member I want to watch it again, because it is so much better than every day life. The power of musical theatre on young people can never be underestimated and tonight was yet another example of this. The work ethic of all means that when these kids grow up they will ALL be smart enough to answer all the questions they need to know, and then some. Some of the youngsters may never step foot on stage again which would be sad, but they will fondly remember being in this show for the rest of their lives and what an absolute gift that is.