Eighteen performances, two children’s casts and 70 people working on stage and behind the scenes – Nelson Musical Theatre’s production of Matilda is going to be massive.
The multi-award-winning musical opens on 4 March and runs until 21 March, in what production manager Hugh Neill says could rival the scale of the Theatre Royal’s 2016 staging of Mama Mia.
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic book, Matilda follows a bright and determined young girl whose love of learning helps her find strength in the face of neglect at home and intimidation at school. Supported by her gentle teacher Miss Honey and fuelled by her own quick wit, Matilda discovers she has the power to make real change.
The production is part of a national consortium, which is also heading over to Blenheim.
“When we heard it was Matilda, we wanted to be part of it,” Hugh says.
The Nelson show features an all-local cast of 40 performers, backed by 30 crew members working behind the scenes.
There are 20 young performers aged between nine and 14, with three young actors sharing the role of Matilda and two children’s casts supporting the show.
“The kids’ energy is extraordinary,” Hugh says.
The production’s scale goes well beyond the cast, though.
“The lighting, the sound, the costumes… we have three crates of wardrobe. It’s huge.”
Auditions were held in August, with rehearsals beginning in September. The cast has been rehearsing three times a week in Wakefield and will be accompanied by a 12 piece orchestra.
Hugh says it is the first time Matilda has been staged in Nelson and the show will appeal to all ages.
“It has wonderful characters, catchy songs and different emotions.”
Performances run Monday to Friday at 7.30pm, with Saturday shows at 2pm and 7.30pm. The show runs for 2 hours and 35 minutes, including interval. Tickets can be purchased from: https://www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/event/matilda-the-musical/
GIVEAWAY: We have a family pass for opening night on 4 March at 7.30pm to give away. To enter, email kate@topsouthmedia.co.nz and tell us who your favourite Matilda character is, and why. A winner will be notified on 24 February.
