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Posted on: 03/07/2024

Matilda - a fantastic finale for a high achieving year in Creative Arts at Kingshott

Pupils were asked to review their Matilda performance and their collective headline reactions are that it was: “absolutely phenomenal!”, “fabulous”, “stupendously breathtaking”, an "unreal performance”, “like the West End”, and “incredible”! Perhaps Digby Fletcher, Year 7, summarised it best when he wrote “It’s not your typical school show, it was very professional.”

Oscar Hubble, Year 7, adeptly summarises the performances: “On 20th and 21st June 2024, Kingshott School presented the fabulous musical Matilda Jr. From the comical writing of Dennis Kelly and the clever lyrics and music by Tim Minchin - paired with the talent of the children and the choreography and direction from Mrs Adams to the set and props designed by Mrs Whittaker, music played by a live band conducted by Mr Rhodes and the amazing costumes by Mrs Vivian, the show was perfect.”

“The show was double cast,” explains Valentina Bryce, Year 7, “and each actor gave an incredible performance as their part." Yousuf Tamuri, Year 7, adds that “The acting was impeccable, flamboyant, stupendously breathtaking, magnificent, sublime and awe-inspiring! It really does take a village. After all, what would a show be without the actors?” Oscar agrees, adding that “All the acting was on point, and I could not believe it was coming from children who might have not had any prior experience.” The acting was definitely appreciated by the audiences too, as Digby Fletcher, Year 7, picked up: "I feel that when we performed the show it was electric, and the audience could really feel the boundless energy bouncing from wall to wall.”

“The set in particular left me mesmerised,” says Oscar. “I couldn’t believe that the children, alongside their hard work acting, helped design the set. The swings were amazing and really made the set.” Yousuf adds “the set was beautifully built, and the props were an amazing accompaniment to the songs. I give a shout out to all those who made the televisions in the Trunchbull's office. And who could forget the flamboyant costumes which just took the characters to a whole new level of personality!”

Overall, the pupils had an amazing time taking part:

“It was a great experience working with the cast, stage management and directors to produce such an amazing production.” Valentina
“I was really grateful to take part because I know most students do not have the opportunity to be in such an excellent environment and experience” Digby.
“It’s safe to say that the whole performance was a 10/10 and was the best Kingshott performance yet.” Oscar
“Now I understand why Kingshott was rated excellent by the ISI. This is why you need to come to Kingshott.” Yousuf

The last word, of course, should go to Mrs Adams, Kingshott’s Director of Drama. “I feel a huge sense of pride at the achievements of all our pupils. They were incredibly invested in the performances; I am awestruck at their ability to remain ‘in a scene’ and take a collective responsibility to tell a story and perform to their absolute best. Matilda was a fantastic finale to a rewarding and high achieving year in the Creative Arts departments. I even have it on good authority that some people enjoyed it more than the West End version – BRAVO KINGSHOTT!”