Matilda casts her magic in Northcliff
Northcliff High School hosted audiences to a major production of the much-loved Roald Dahl classic, Matilda.
The major production of Matilda, came to Northcliff High School’s stage and did what it had intended to do – put some whimsy back into the lives of its audience.
The play’s director, Nick Jourdan, said Matilda is an unusual musical, “It is certainly not the happy sing-a-long genre but, in spite of it challenges, our young cast seems to be capturing well the essence of Roald Dahl quirkiness – not to mention navigating the difficult Tim Minchin score.”
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Jourdan was fortunate enough to see the Royal Shakespeare Company production of the musical when it opened at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End, an experience he describes as being standout. “I do hope that our audiences will get just a little of that experience in the efforts of our young Northcliff cast. They have worked hard and are happy to be giving their best for your enjoyment.”
School principal Walter Essex-Clarke said the cast had a great time and this was displayed throughout the play. He attributed the school’s thriving arts and sports communities to the encouragement given to learners to aim at reaching their highest levels of potential – an aspect that ties in with the schools motto, Nihi Tam Altum, which means ‘Nothing to High’. “We have definitely encouraged our children to pursue excellence and be their best, which helps them in society because with that attitude they go on to do very well in their careers and daily lives.”
Essex-Clarke said the arts aid to the holistic experience of school, as it helps develop the appreciation of dance, music, acting and any kind of talent. “I think what that does is to enable other children who see others take part in such [a play], to be inspired by what can be achieved and it is a good thing to offer as much as you can to a child.”
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The play will also be shown at the Playhouse Company in KZN during the July school holidays – giving these young thespians the opportunity to perform on an even bigger stage in front of a public audience.
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