REVIEW: Matilda the Musical Jr. - The Dance and Theatre Factory

After years of teaching these songs in lesson rooms, I realised that this was actually my first time seeing Matilda staged! The Dance and Theatre Factory’s Matilda the Musical Jr was a high-energy holiday production that celebrated young performers and their love of storytelling. While the one-act format doesn’t offer the full score, it keeps the pacing tight and the audience engaged.

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved story, Matilda follows an extraordinary young girl with a sharp mind as she navigates cruel parents, a terrifying headmistress, and discovers her own inner power along the way. From the moment the cast entered through the aisles for Miracle, the show became immersive and playful. The backdrop visuals were vibrant, the costumes were standout, and the coloured blocks — doubling as school seats and ever-shifting set pieces — were constantly rearranged by the cast, keeping the stage picture lively.

Matilda is not an easy show to wrangle. The lyrics are dense, the rhythms are relentless, and the timing has to be spot on (thanks, Tim Minchin). Naughty alone is a musical workout, but Lyla McLaren handled it with confidence and commitment. Under the direction of Lyn Pelgrave, with music direction by Robert Clark and choreography by Maddi Hatzioannou, the show moved confidently along. Colourful lighting from Bryce Delayney and clear sound from Murray Keidge supported the storytelling across the full cast performing to tracks.

The show was packed with fabulous little performers, all leaning into bold characterisation and consistent British accents. Lyla McLaren’s performance of Quiet (one of the hardest and BEST songs in the show) was a standout moment, with the ensemble frozen behind her and an echo effect on her mic creating the sense of isolation and mounting frustration.

Emily Carrick played Miss Honey with warmth, sweetness, and clarity. Her solo This Little Girl rang beautifully through the auditorium with a pretty, controlled tone, and her gentle presence felt entirely authentic. I could absolutely see her as a real teacher one day. Mila Price was gloriously nasty as Miss Trunchbull, stomping through scenes with a booming authority, yet singing with a classical vocal tone that suited the role perfectly. Her numbers, The Hammer and Smell of Rebellion stood out for its staging, with push-ups and sit-ups woven into disciplined, high-energy choreography.

Vincent Taylor and Matilda Bradshaw embraced the absurdity of the Wormwoods with their hilariously sharp character choices. Jake Allen brought real confidence and bite to Bruce Bogtrotter, particularly in his solo moments during Revolting Children, where he lead with confidence and attitude. In Bruce — the infamous chocolate cake scene — the ensemble exploded with energy, delivering one of the most high-octane moments of the show, driven by fierce vocals, big reactions, and a cast clearly having the time of their lives! At times, some leads stood a little too rigid; I would suggest greater use of physical resistance and defiance.

When I Grow Up brought a gentler pause to the action, with strong soloists, pleasing harmonies, and a sweetness that landed particularly with the adults in the room. The ensemble worked incredibly hard in a very full space and handled it admirably. School Song featured imaginative choreography and bold “big kid” acting, including two performers forming alphabet letters with their bodies. The ensemble’s commitment consistently paid off when dramatic choices were pushed and showcased. While I won’t list every featured role and ensemble member here, the collective energy onstage was epic throughout! The company’s inclusive casting felt thoughtful and purposeful, with performers of all abilities meaningfully involved beyond the lead roles.

Overall, Matilda the Musical Jr was a colourful, energetic, and joyful production that celebrated imagination, resilience, and young performers finding their voices. A fabulous holiday show and a clear testament to the talent and heart this company continues to nurture.