What a magical musical. Created from the fertile mind of the amazing Roald Dahl and brought to theatrical life by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, this was a stunner of a show.

Right from before the show in the foyer which pulsed with excitement with young women in beautiful dresses and young men looking very spiffy in suits – their Dads in jeans and sweatshirts – we could tell this capacity audience wanted this show to entertain us, enthrall us and be a success. 

That it did do.

A wonderful set by the NZ Musical Theatre Consortium who also supplied the many and varied props, set the scene with six columns of towering books into which a myriad of set pieces come and go with speed and well-timed management.

All enhanced by lighting designed to give the life on stage an extra boost and excitement as needed. A brilliant job by Martin Searancke.

Of course, a set needs actors and what a fine set we got here.

All the principals are totally at one with their characters, giving each the performance that is needed. Over the top for some and more nuanced for others.

As Matilda, Ann Deng is perfect. Feisty and soft as the situation called for, she gives an acting performance that is remarkable. Blessed with a natural singing voice and with her clear diction, excellent body emphasis, Ann gives all her songs a lot of energy and colour.

Opening night we had The Maggots as Matilda’s school mates. These kids change nightly so you might see The Worms. 

A more gorgeous bunch of eight Maggots cannot be imagined. All talented actors, singers and dancers, they never miss a beat. And I was watching.

The choreography by Hamish Mouat is stunning throughout but the eight who are at times joined by the equally talented Ensemble, really have some difficult moves to perfect while singing very difficult songs. Every number is pitch and move perfect. Hats off to Dance Captain Prue Brown.

George Keenan-Davies as the show stopping Miss Trunchbull, does just that. Several times. An audience favourite but giving him a run for his money were Steve King and Christina Davies as Matilda’s parents, the dreadful Wormwoods.  Dancing up a storm and showing marvelous technique is Josh Morris as Rudolpho whose musical number, ‘Loud’, is also an audience favourite.

 The most sympathetic character, Miss Honey is played beautifully by Rebekah Head with just the right amount of meekness without becoming too spineless. For me, Ms. Head had the voice of the show. Liquid amber in tone, very clear diction and power when needed. When is the solo show?

The two Directors, Grant Meese and Hamish Mouat have created magic on the Bruce Mason Centre stage. This accolade must be shared with the Musical Director Jack Barnard and the orchestra. These three have taken what is in essence a Community Theatre show and elevated it into a professional crowd pleasing success.

The first night was slightly marred by loss of hearing the words of some songs as the orchestra was overbearing. I am sure this technical fault will be rectified as the run progresses.

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