A Hobsons Bay primary school has the Williamstown Theatre Company to thank for being able to perform a Roald Dahl classic for its annual production.
Williamstown North Primary School is performing Matilda on December 4 and 5 at the Centenary Theatre at Williamstown High School.
As the school’s performing arts teacher, Chelsea Adams, explained obtaining a licence to perform such a popular work by such a popular author would normally be beyond their means.
“But the Williamstown Theatre Company had a licence (to Matilda) and offered us the rights,” Ms Adams said.
“We were extremely excited to get the opportunity. It’s a special show that emphasises themes of equity fairness and kindness.”
Williamstown North will perform the musical version of Matilda with the lyrics and score written by renowned Australian comedian and musician Tim Minchin, which Ms Adams said was another reason why she chose it.
“I think amplifying Australian voices is important,” she said, adding that the students in the cast were enjoying it too.
“Roald Dahl stories are inherently a bit mischievous and the characters are larger than life and the students really relate to it and respond to it.”
A total of 45 students are in the cast, while all students from grades three to six will class songs, meaning about 80 per cent of school’s enrolment is involved.
“In terms of props and set and costuming it’s probably the biggest,”said Ms Adams of how Matilda compared to previous Williamstown North Primary productions.
Matilda will be performed in matinee and evening shows at 2pm and 6.30pm on December 4 and 5.
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CQDHP
Cade Lucas.
