Pure Magic: Matilda The Musical Jr. Soars at Peoples Theatre
A few days ago at the Peoples Theatre I watched a very talented group of young performers pour their entire beings into a story that celebrates the power of imagination, courage, and finding your voice. The production was Matilda The Musical Jr., and I'm still buzzing with the energy these incredible young artists brought to the stage.
From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that this production was going to be something special. Matilda is an incredibly ambitious show – one that demands big sets, explosive energy, authentic British accents, lightning-fast musical numbers, and performers who can match Roald Dahl's indomitable spirit with their own. What I witnessed was a company of young performers who didn't just meet these challenges; they embraced them with the kind of fearless joy that reminded me why I fell in love with theatre in the first place.
The rotating cast system means that three talented young actresses – Amira Nathan, Peo-entle Pitso, and Zia Kani – share the iconic title role, and while I can only speak to the performance I saw (where Zia Kani took centre stage), the caliber of work on display gives me complete confidence that audiences will experience excellence regardless of which cast configuration they encounter. What struck me most was how each young performer's unique personality shone through their character work. These weren't children simply reciting lines and hitting marks; these were storytellers who understood the emotional core of their characters and committed fully to bringing them to life.
Tim Minchin's score has always held a special place in my heart. His music is raw, honest, witty, and refreshingly creative – there's simply no one who writes like him. In Matilda, his unique sensibilities find their perfect match in Dahl's world of precocious intelligence meeting adult absurdity. The songs crackle with wordplay and emotional honesty, and watching these young performers navigate Minchin's complex rhythms and clever lyrics was genuinely thrilling. Even when there were small hiccups – a missed line here, a moment of catching up to the music there – what never wavered was their absolute commitment to the storytelling and their clear understanding of each character's emotional journey.
The production values deserve special mention. The elaborate sets truly transported us into Matilda's universe, creating a world that felt both whimsically theatrical and emotionally grounded. I was particularly impressed by how thoughtfully the creative team approached Matilda's telekinetic powers. Rather than relying on flashy effects that might overshadow the story, they found elegant, theatrical solutions that served the narrative while still delivering those moments of wonder that make this tale so special.
But what moved me most was the palpable passion radiating from every performer on that stage. These kids held nothing back. You could see the joy and dedication in their faces as they inhabited these beloved characters. There's something profoundly moving about watching young people discover their own power through the act of telling a story about a girl who refuses to be silenced or diminished. The energy was infectious, the commitment total, and the result was theatre at its most essential – live human beings sharing a story that matters.
The singing throughout was brilliant, showcasing voices that, while still developing, already demonstrate remarkable control and expressiveness. More importantly, every note was sung with purpose, every lyric delivered with the kind of clarity that comes from truly understanding what you're saying. These young performers didn't just sing Tim Minchin's words; they inhabited them, made them their own, and used them to illuminate character and advance story.
Matilda The Musical Jr. runs at Peoples Theatre through July 27th, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. This is family entertainment in the truest sense – a production that respects both its young performers and its audience, delivering sophisticated storytelling wrapped in accessible joy. Whether you're bringing children who will see themselves reflected in Matilda's courage, or you're an adult who needs reminding of the power of imagination and determination, this production offers something genuinely special.
The Peoples Theatre has once again proven why they're such a vital part of Johannesburg's cultural landscape. They've created a space where young artists can take real creative risks, tell important stories, and develop their craft in an environment that challenges them to be their best. Matilda The Musical Jr. stands as a testament to what's possible when you combine excellent material, thoughtful direction, and performers who understand that theatre is about so much more than entertainment – it's about connection, empathy, and the radical act of believing in yourself.
This is theatre that leaves you feeling more hopeful about the world, more connected to the people around you, and more convinced than ever that stories have the power to change us. Don't miss it.