Northampton Academy's first-ever musical, Matilda Jr. was hailed a great success. We have been overwhelmed with messages of praise for the students and staff involved in this project. The performing arts team, tech team and students worked so hard, and many hours were put into the rehearsals. We would like to share some of the messages we have received and thank everyone involved with the show, as well as the parents and carers who have supported our students to be a part of it.
A special thank you goes to Silhouette Youth Theatre, Team Eventex, Lightning Lloyd and Vince Fania for all their help.
Here are some of the messages we received, in addition to all the lovely feedback from our social media channels:
"Thank you so much for a wonderful show tonight."
"I am honestly blown away by the standard of the production. I have seen many versions of Matilda, but this one really stood out, not only the level of professionalism (from the tech team to the performance focus and characterisation of all the members of the cast) but it was clear that the young people were doing what they love and thriving. This is what it is all about."
"Huge thanks for an unforgettable evening and all your months of hard work to get to this point. It really was exceptional."
"Thank you for a brilliant show this evening. I really enjoyed it - it was spectacular. It was one of the best shows I have seen. Thank you for all your hard work and effort - it was really worth it."
"I came to see Matilda last night - I just had to send this email! It was absolutely FANTASTIC! It was clear to see the time and effort that had gone into it; it was so well rehearsed. This is a testament to both the cast and staff - thank you for giving our children this opportunity. I know that my child has lived and breathed Matilda for the last few months. Everyone on that stage was amazing, but I've got to mention Thomas - was that role actually made for him??!! He is just fabulous. Well done to everyone involved, and thank you for putting on an unforgettable show!"
"I would like to congratulate you on Matilda - A spectacular performance!"
"We came to see the show last night, and it was fantastic. The amount of effort that had clearly been put in by the staff and students (from backstage to performers) was amazing. I must admit I had quite high expectations - and it certainly delivered. The choreography was great, and the casting for the main roles seemed extremely fitting. Miss Honey was portrayed perfectly. I just wanted to send my congratulations as I think things like this need not go unnoticed."
"That was amazing! Miss Carney, Mr Lyon and Miss Osborne should be really proud of themselves; not only have they given the kids something to work towards and to be proud of, but they’ve also brought parents into the school for something they have never been there for before and united kids from all social groups, all ability groups, and brought them all together to have fun and produce an amazing show. I really hope after tomorrow’s show, once it’s all packed away and cleared up, they truly get to sit and reflect on how they have given the opportunity to these kids and Northampton Academy for the first time. Memories that no one can take away from them."
"I wasn't able to visit with my class yesterday, but the reviews I have heard from my class and the staff that did attend was that the show was absolutely amazing and very professional. Thank you for inviting us - it was a wonderful opportunity for the children."
"I was incredibly proud to watch the performance today. Proud of the children, proud of the staff and proud of the school. You should be so pleased, and I hope this starts the legacy of an annual musical."
"I would just like to say a big Thank you for inviting us to see the performance today. It was incredible! The children were absolutely amazing and have inspired some of our children who want to perform and join a Drama club when they move on to secondary school. Miss Trunchbull was as good as the actor in the London show!"
"I wanted to email to say what a brilliant, professional and entertaining the show Matilda was and really hope it can be again. So proud of every single person on stage, It was FANTASTIC - West End quality! Thank you to everyone who got involved and supported that amazing cast. I know how many hours went into it, and I really appreciate everyone's hard work."
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Matilda was first commissioned and produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, England on 9th November 2010. It transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in the West End of London on 25 October 2011 and received its US premiere at the Shubert Theatre, Broadway, USA on 4th March 2013.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement, and all authorised materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 mtishows.com