School production to mark special anniversary

Aylsham High School students are busy rehearsing for their latest production, Matilda the Musical Jr.

This is the high school’s 25th year of musical performances which have included Oliver! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Elf, and My Fair Lady.

There will be four performances of Matilda in total running from July 10 to 12 – three evening shows and one matinee on the Saturday.

Matilda Jr, full of energetic songs and dance numbers, is an adaptation of the Broadway hit show by Australian comedian, actor, composer, songwriter, pianist and director Tim Minchin. Based on Roald Dahl’s well-known story, it tells the tale of Matilda, a girl who uses her intelligence, imagination and special powers to inspire kindness in her school, standing up to her mean headteacher Miss Trunchbull.

The Matilda production, including cast and crew, involves 50 students from all year groups in the school. The lead role of Matilda will be played by two students, Flo Turner and Edie Cropper. They will be performing in two shows each and have been hard at work rehearsing and preparing for their roles along with the whole of the cast for several months. Both students have experience of performing on stage, but this will be their first time in an Aylsham High School production.

Tracy Mitton, head of drama at Aylsham High School, who is directing and choreographing the show, said: “I feel incredibly lucky to be working with such talented students on Matilda. The cast are outstanding and never fail to impress. Their dedication and commitment to the production will ensure that the show is a fantastic way to celebrate 25 years of musicals at the high school.”

Tickets can be purchased from the school’s reception every Thursday lunchtime (12.35-1pm) or via ticketsource. co.uk/aylsham-high-school

READY FOR ACTION: The cast of Matilda the Musical Jr. Picture: AHS