'Matilda' review: Blenheim Musical Theatre's show deserves repeat viewings
Addison Campbell, left, and Xavier-Rae Caldwell, right, bookend Maysie Fergusonand Marcello Pinheiro. Photo: Blenheim Musical Theatre.
Before reading a review, it helps to have context on the reviewer. I grew up on theater (the U.S. spelling) in Los Angeles, then San Francisco, with a couple of Broadway jaunts in the midst. Yet, from living in arts towns, my palate also has partiality for community stages.
Blenheim Musical Theatre’s “Matilda” in the third show I’ve seen here – following the Boathouse’s “Sense and Sensibility” and “Shakespeare in Love” – and I saw it three times. I previewed a dress rehearsal, went to an evening performance with my wife (date night!) and caught a matinee on my own, all from different seats in Whitehaven Theatre.
Each time, I experienced something new. In large part, that’s because BMT has two casts of kids, the Newts and the Squits, who alternate; the adult actors and young adult ensemble coalesce around each group. But, additionally, the size and scope of the production lend this “Matilda” to multiple viewings.
Based on a novel by Roald Dahl, the musical focuses on the plight and the flights of fancy of the titular girl navigating dysfunction at school as well as at home. BMT has the use of nationally procured staging which would look at home on the West End.
The principal performers inhabit the story and the space as if born to be there.
Anne Vawter hits all the high notes as sympathetic teacher Miss Honey. Rhys Hingtston brings menace and reptilian tongue flick to antagonistic headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Sara Bishell – like Rhys, playing a character of the opposite gender – fills the shoes (and hair) of Matilda’s scheming father, Mr Wormwood, with flair. Camilla Piper as narcissistic Mrs Wormwood and Xavier-Rae Caldwell as empathetic librarian Mrs Phelps command attention.
“Matilda” hinges on Matilda, of course, and the two young actresses give distinct takes. Addison Campbell (Newts) unleashes frenzy, fun and, ultimately, fury; her arc evokes Carrie from Stephen King’s revenge tale. Alice Kingi (Squits) taps into a reserve of strength and stoicism, like Hermione Granger from “Harry Potter”.
I came away from all three performances impressed with what director Liana Bell, musical/vocal director Robert Tucker and choreographer Elly Molloy – with casts and crew of 160 locals – brought to life.
BMT’s “Matilda” runs until 23 May at Whitehaven Theatre. Check eventfinda.co.nz for tickets.