Countdown to Curtain: behind the scenes of Matilda the Musical Jr

With opening night fast approaching, Cornwall College St Austell’s Creative Digital Academy, in partnership with Studio 4, is in the final stages of preparing for Matilda the Musical Jr.

This May, the two‑night run will see Performing Arts learners deliver Roald Dahl’s story and Tim Minchin’s score to a local audience eager for another showcase of emerging Cornish talent.

From choreography drills and vocal warm‑ups echoing through corridors, each department is preparing to dazzle hundreds of theatre-goers with their professionalism, talent and skills.

Student, Phoebe Latimer, is leading the team as Matilda, alongside Nadine Pedrick as Miss Honey, Hannah Thorp as Miss Trunchbull, Hannah Thorp to portray Trunchbull, Erin Biggs as Mrs Wormwood and Benjamin Jory‑Parr playing the role of Mr Wormwood.

Audiences can look forward to an evening packed with laughter, heart‑warming moments and show‑stopping musical numbers that appeal to all ages.

Roald Dahl’s whimsical plot, paired with Tim Minchin’s infectious tunes and fuelled by the students’ contagious energy, is set to flood The Keay Theatre with the unique collective joy that only a live show can spark.

For families, theatre enthusiasts and first‑time visitors alike, the production offers a welcome escape and a reminder of how local arts can unite and uplift a community.

Full list of cast and crew can be found below.

Cast:

• Phoebe Latimer – Matilda
• Nadine Pedrick – Miss Honey
• Erin Biggs – Mrs Wormwood
• Hannah Thorp – Trunchbull
• Benjamin Jory-Parr – Mr Wormwood
• Callum Flood – Michael/ mechanic
• Alisha Rossi – Lavendar
• Casey Drewry – Ensemble
• Liberty Turner – Rudulpho/ Ensemble
• Gabi Altun – Acrobat/ Ensemble
• Brooke Wearne – Ensemble/ Russian
• Callum Harrison McColl – Escapologist
• Issy Whitehead – Ensemble/ Cook
• Megan Meaney – Bruce
• Payton Tamblin – Nigel
• Skyla Rawle – Hortensia
• Isabel Prosser – Miss Phelps
• Lowen Gosling – Eric
• Sofia Luduena – Ensemble
• Alix Birch – Alice
• Mahala Griffin – Tommy
• Katie Mallinson – Ensemble
• Keeley Rogers – Sergei/ Ensemble
• Farrah Smith – Amanda Thripp

Crew:

• Erin Roberts
• Jack Walker
• Charlotte Bearham
• Benjamin Di’Ath
• Anneka Wass
• Sarah Lou Jones
• Jonathan Stamp
• Matthew Davies
• Alice Walker

Tickets are between £8 and £10, can be found on www.keaytheatre.co.uk or call 01726 226 774.