Lock up your newts and batten your Chokeys - Matilda the Musical is taking over Nelson Theatre Royal in what is set to be the venue’s biggest musical theatre production yet.
The show features more than $180,000 worth of sound and lighting equipment to deliver wall-to-wall drama across its 18 performances, with a cast of 40 and a crew of 30.
Amongst the 40 cast and 30 crew are a cluster of Motueka locals who will be helping bring Roald Dahl’s classic tale to life.
Among the performers is Motueka local Eden Thomas, 11, who has been dancing for years but is stepping into her first musical theatre production. She plays Tommy, one of Matilda’s classmates, and says she has made plenty of new friends along the way.
“I hope nothing goes wrong,” Eden says. The late nights and frequent travel through to Nelson has been tricky, but with all the hard work and commitment, she says she has seen a big improvement in her singing and acting.
Eden will be joined on stage by fellow locals Georgia Perry, 9, and Elizabeth Lockwood, 14, who play two of Matilda’s school mates.
The children’s cast of about 20 is split into two groups – affectionately named the Worms and the Maggots, in true Matilda fashion. Each group performs half of the shows to keep the energy high.
Eden’s mother Carrie Thomas also signed up for the ensemble, dragging her cousin Olivia in as well.
“I kind of got FOMO when Eden went through the whole process of auditioning,” she laughs. The show is coming together beautifully, she says, with the 12-piece live orchestra bringing another level of energy.
With rehearsals three nights a week and every weekend until opening night, the build-up is intense.
“It’s a really cool vibe over there,” Carrie says.
The show runs from Wednesday, 4 March, to Saturday, 21 March, but the local girls have to wait until the 5th for their opening night, as part of the Worm troupe.
Tickets are available at www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/event/matilda-the-musical/.
