Smithills School pupils stage Matilda - a smash hit musical

Smithills School pupils will be performing in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR from November 14 to 16.

Adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand, and change her own destiny.

Matilda, a little girl with wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, lives with cruel parents who find her to be a nuisance, a lousy little worm, and a bore.

Rehearsals have been underway for Smithills School production of Matilda (Image: Smithills School)

The original show opened on the West End in 2011 and made its Broadway premiere in 2013.

The musical earned seven Olivier Awards, including “Best New Musical,” and five Tony awards, including The Tony for “Best Book of a Musical.”

And now Drew Cohen, president and Chief Executive Officer of Music Theatre International has worked with the school to showcase it within the Bolton community.

Excitement all round in rehearsals (Image: Smithills School)

He said: “One of my favourite moments early in the show is when Matilda sings, ‘Even if you are little you can do a lot’.

“It’s such a powerful reminder for each of us, tall and small, to take ownership in how we can create our reality.

“Through the process of putting on this musical, these students are doing just that: they are joining together and working hard to create this extraordinary event for their community.

“We think they deserve a standing ovation for all their work.”

Andy Milthorpe, the school’s performing arts lead, said: “The pupils have worked tirelessly during rehearsals, before and after school to put on the production for the Smithills community.

“I would like to thank them for their commitment, and I know the audiences will be in for a treat come the November shows. You won’t want to miss it.”

Students rehearsing before their musical next month (Image: Smithills School)

Mike Sidebottom, the school principal, said: “The school productions are my favourite times of year and I’m really looking forward to watching our pupils perform Matilda.

“I know just how hard the pupils and staff are working at the minute to pull off such a show and I’m certain, all the hard work will pay off in the end.”

Nicholas McCarthey a Year 9 pupil who is playing Bruce Bogtrotter said: “This was my first show, and it has been really fun doing Matilda and eating cake!"

The school will present the show nightly at 6.30pm in the main hall.

Tickets are £3 and can be purchased/collected from the school’s student services section.

For more information contact Mr Milthorpe: a.milthorpe@smithillsschool.net.