Production: Roald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Dates: 19 To 23 June 2024

Venue: The Playhouse Drama Theatre

Tickets: Available at Webtickets

26 years ago, Northcliff High, Johannesburg undertook what was then considered to be an insane and daring venture and toured their whole musical production, CHICAGO, lock, stock and barrel from Johannesburg down to the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban.   What a scary roller coaster ride that proved to be.

Now, in the 24^th year of touring – remember 2 years went missing due to covid – after a sensational run of the production in Johannesburg, Northcliff High brings to Durban, the delightful and somewhat quirky MATILDA THE MUSICAL based on the story MATILDA by Roald Dahl.   It is beautifully cast and the performances from the young actors are outstanding.   This one will be worth making the trip into the city to savour and enjoy.   Fabulous entertainment awaits!

This will be the 40th production for Northcliff High and 24^th to tour to the Playhouse, from acclaimed Producer/Director Nick Jourdan, who has been responsible for bringing ‘The Adams Family’, ‘Spamalot,’ ‘Sister Act’ and the highly popular previous offerings, ‘High School Musical’, ‘Footloose’ and “Me And My Girl” to the Playhouse Theatre, to name but a few.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL is not in the happy sing along to well-known tunes genre.   It is fresh, completely different but exciting and fun.   Audiences sit absorbed and transported and have a truly feel good sense at the end for though this is completely out of the ordinary, the play nevertheless has that inevitable happy ending.

This year’s performance group is missing outstanding stalwarts from previous years.   It is a sad fact that 5 years pass only too quickly and matrics move on to greater challenges and leave big shoes to fill.

Albeit this is a school production, the young cast, assisted by their technical crew, delivers remarkable performances in this slick and polished production.

In this her first time in a lead role, we have Adriana Sevell playing the title character.   Some may remember her as Mrs Brown “fair spirit of morality” in ME AND MY GIRL in 2023.   She plays Matilda with warm sensitivity and a naive charm.    Miss Honey will be remembered as the mother of Ariel Moore in FOOTLOOSE and giving a grotesque rendition of the feared and dreaded headmistress, Agatha Truncbull, is Tristan Marques who last year, was hilarious as Charles the butler in ME AND MY GIRL.   Also from ME AND MY GIRL, are Scott Maynard – Sir John Tremayne, who plays Mr Wormwood, Gabrielle Flaum – gold digging Lady Jaqueline Carstairs who plays Mrs Wormwood and Angelica Rennie – the Duchess, Aunt Maria who plays Mrs Phelps the librarian.   A formidable cast of huge talent.

Again there is a live orchestra of skilled professional musicians, lead by accomplished musical director, Matthew Vlok who previously hails from Durban.

See this show!   It is a worthwhile entertainment outing that will not disappoint – one of Northcliff’s best offerings.   Don’t miss it….

Performances are from 19 to 23 June with evening performances at 19h30 and matinees on the Saturday at 14h00 and Sunday at 15h00.   Tickets are R100 throughout and R80 for seniors.

BOOKING FOR ALL SHOWS IS THROUGH WEBTICKETS

OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL! TICKETS HALF PRICE AT R50 ON WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE AT 19h30

At the Playhouse there are bar facilities and a coffee shop.

There is secure parking available at the Royal Hotel Parking Garage with security marshals along the street from the Royal to the Playhouse Theatre.

Parking is at a reduced rate when getting your parking ticket stamped in the theatre foyer.

For so many years Northcliff High Johannesburg has trundled a busload of kids into the city centre to perform their hearts out in what many will vouch, is top notch entertainment.

HOPE THOSE STAUNCH DURBAN SUPPORTERS WILL COME AND SEE THEM!!