MATILDA SOMERSAULTS INTO TOWN

CULTURE CLUB

Roald Dahl fever will soon hit the city, with Showbiz Christchurch’s production of Matilda – The Musical somersaulting into the Isaac Theatre Royal on 16 September. Featuring an all-local cast of both naughty and nice characters, composer and lyricist Tim Minchin has penned a catchy and clever musical that is just as appealing to adults as it is for children.

With a cast of 19 talented children who sing, dance, and act through two hours of high-energy theatre, three younger actors playing Matilda (Millie Hutchinson, Carla Ladstaetter, and Eva Thompson) sat down with Avenues to share some insight into what’s important to Dahl’s little naughty heroine.

Matilda loves books! What’s your favourite? Millie: At the moment, I am really into The Babysitters Club series by Ann N Martin. Eva: The Pages and Co series by Anna James. Carla: A Clue For Clara by Lian Tanner.

She also adores her teacher. Who has been your favourite teacher? Millie: I love my teacher this year, Miss Rollo, because she is kind and really supportive of me. Eva: Mr Matthews because he is so nice and has really funny (dad) jokes. Carla: Mr Greening because he makes lots of jokes and learning is fun with him.

Matilda thinks that ‘sometimes you need to be a little bit naughty’! What do you get in trouble for? Millie: Sneaking in extra screen time when Mum’s not looking! Eva: At home for doing cartwheels and tumbling inside (sometimes things get broken!). Carla: I get in trouble at home for leaving things behind or losing things.

Tell us one strong woman you admire. Carla: It has to be my mum, of course! She is always there for me. Eva: Franc Bol, who started Luminaires Charitable Trust to give young people opportunities to be involved in theatre. Millie: I have two! My great-grandmothers – on both sides of my family. One received a Queen’s Service Order for services to local government in a time when it was difficult for women to hold such positions, and the other was still cross-country skiing at the age of 85!

What’s been the best part of rehearsing? Carla: The experience of being in the story, the music with all the harmonies, and the relationships we all have together. Eva: Making a bunch of new friends. Millie: I have learned so much, gained so much confidence, and made so many amazing new friendships!!

Finish the sentence. Matilda is... Millie: …smart, determined, and a little bit mischievous! Eva: … really confident of who she is. Carla: …very smart, has magic powers and is caring for other people.

Matilda’s magic runs from 16 September–2 October. showbiz.org.nz