After being postponed during COVID-19 lockdowns, Wallan Secondary College students were finally able to take to the stage for this year’s production of Matilda Junior, the Musical.
It stageshow tells the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers.
The daughter of abusive parents Mr and Mrs Wormwood, played by Dylan Barrett and Kylie Jephcott, Matilda, played by Chloe Taylor, finds refuge in library books, which she reads quickly and creates her own stories.
Things are no better at school, where Matilda also must face a tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, played by Thomas Starkey, who believes in Crunchem Hall’s motto: ‘Bambinatum est Magitum’, or ‘Children are Maggots’.
She finds companionship in her teacher, Miss Honey, played by Alani O’Brien, who, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile.
Impressive sets, props, costumes and multimedia projections were created by the Wallan Secondary College teacher team.
Brave little Matilda knew she had to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovered her own powers.
Directors Sian Clarke and Renae Daynes took on the task of bringing Matilda to life with the college’s students.
Ms Clarke said Matilda the Musical had received widespread critical acclaim and box office popularity, so it was no surprise it was a hit with various youth and school productions around the world.
“The students were incredible and we cannot wait to see what is next for them,” she said.
“Wallan Secondary College is certainly spoilt for talent.”
Ms Clarke said the college was planning a production for next year, and for people to keep an eye out for future announcements.
