A Spark of Rebellion at St James’ Primary School, Banora Point

St James’ Primary School, Banora Point, has put on an outstanding performance of Matilda Jr - The Musical. (21 September 2023)

The smell of rebellion filled the air at the St James’ Primary School, Banora Point, as the entire school sang and danced their hearts out in their own spectacular adaptation of Matilda Jr - The Musical.

The adaptation is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book Matilda. Matilda Jr - The Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her destiny.

Each week for two terms, students rigorously rehearsed their roles under the leadership of Director and Producer, Principal Nic McTaggart. 

‘The musical was a great way to showcase talents, create lasting memories, promote the arts, and celebrate the creative spirit of children.  I thoroughly enjoyed working with the leading characters each week to assist them with their lines, dances, staging, costuming, and props; their enthusiasm, teamwork, and energy developed each week, and seeing them shine on stage was certainly worthy of a Broadway Tony! ‘ said Nic McTaggart.

The St James’ Primary School community packed into Doyle Centre, 840 parents, friends, staff and families, to witness the joy on every student's face as they took to the stage to put on an incredible performance. 

‘It was an awesome experience learning the details of putting a musical on. To be able to practise learning lines and choreography was a struggle at times, but Mr Mc Taggart helped get us through it. It was a memorable experience for the Stage 3 leads,’ said students Isobelle and Hallie. 

Staff and parents loved seeing the children flourish as they discovered the joy of performing and showing their growth in self-confidence. 

‘The main cast worked hard throughout the term learning and rehearsing their lines, and this was evident on the night as they performed with confidence and enthusiasm as did the rest of the school, as all children had the opportunity to perform a” Matilda” dance with their grade. Watching them have their own special moment dancing together with their peers is incredible’, said music teacher Tracey Ryan.

Congratulations to St James’ Primary School for putting on an amazing performance. In the words of Matilda, ‘Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable. Children are not so serious as grown-ups, and they love to laugh.’