PROGRAMME

Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
book by Dennis Kelly

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk

HELLO AND WELCOME…

Hello and welcome to our musical production for 2026 “Matilda JR”.

After the success of “Annie” last July and our stunning “Set It Off” concert in November, we are thrilled to be able to bring “Matilda JR” to The Riverside Arts Centre.

Based on Roald Dahl's much-loved novel, Matilda the Musical tells the story of an extraordinary young girl with a brilliant mind, a vivid imagination and a determination to change her own destiny. Faced with neglectful parents and the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers that courage, intelligence and kindness can be powerful tools for making a difference.

The musical was created by playwright Dennis Kelly and composer-lyricist Tim Minchin and premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Following overwhelming critical acclaim, it transferred to London's West End in 2011, where it has remained at the Cambridge Theatre ever since, delighting audiences for more than fourteen years.

Featuring unforgettable songs such as Naughty, When I Grow Up and Revolting Children, the show quickly became one of the most celebrated new musicals of its generation. It won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards in 2012, including Best New Musical, and has since been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. In 2022, the stage production was adapted into the acclaimed film Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, starring Alisha Weir as Matilda, Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull and Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey. The film introduced the story and its much-loved songs to a new generation of audiences.

At its heart, Matilda the Musical is a joyful celebration of imagination, bravery and standing up for what is right, reminding us all that even the smallest person can make a very big difference.

Everything you see tonight is the result of only 20 rehearsals and once again the members of Starlight have amazed me with their talent, they are a true joy to direct. I honestly believe that the Starlight experience is very special, we are a team, we are a family and we support each other on and off stage. As always, Starlight wouldn’t be complete without our tech team and stage crew, who are all vital to the production and I thank them for all their hard work.

After “Matilda” we will be rehearsing for our new “Step In Time” concert, with incredible songs from various musicals this will be great fun to rehearse and perform, followed by “The Wiz” in 2027! If you’d like to be a part of the group fill out an enquiry form here.

Thank you for coming to our show, I know you’re in for a treat! Join in, clap and cheer as much as you like, the cast deserve all the praise they get.

Enjoy the show!

Dave Roberts
Director