Blue Butterfly Studios 
The Rose Theatre, Eastleigh
Anne Waggott 
29 May 2026
A lifelong fan of Roald Dahl’s fantastical stories, as well as more recently the musical genius and sharp wit of Tim Minchin, it’s no surprise to learn how much I love the musical Matilda. Having also recently seen the highly acclaimed professional show at Southampton’s Mayflower, I was both thrilled and slightly nervous to be invited to review Blue Butterfly Studios’ production of Matilda Jr. Would I enjoy this as much as the wonderful stage musical and engaging film adaptation? Would Blue Butterfly Studios’ students live up to my memories of their earlier successful productions? Would they capture the magic of Dahl’s eponymous heroine and do her justice?
Absolutely, yes – on all accounts! It’s the third time I’ve had the privilege of reviewing this Eastleigh-based group – and I’m delighted to say that these talented youngsters continue to grow from strength to strength.
The junior version of Matilda is a considerably condensed adaptation of the full musical, with songs abridged or cut completely and characters either reduced or removed entirely from the show, meaning that it could be easy to lose track of the story with disjointed performances. However, there is absolutely no risk at all of that happening here under the watchful eye of Director/Choreographer Amy Fern and Creative Director James Henderson.
This is an ensemble production of high quality individual characterisations, a wonderful array of facial expressions, strong narrative skills, sharp choreography slickly executed with outstanding synchronisation and style, and cast members acting as stage crew with smooth scene changes. The music is deceptively difficult, but the whole company navigate this so well with clear diction, passion and enthusiasm. The set and costumes may set the tone, enhanced by the lighting and orchestration, but it’s the quality performances which reinforce Matilda’s magic.
Jessica Adams is magnificent as Matilda, the little girl who is despised by her family for being bright, intelligent, witty, and an enthusiastic bookworm, with a passion for justice, a flair for original storytelling, and possessing mystical psychokinetic powers. Jessica embodies the feisty little compassionate character, bringing her to life with warmth, resilience and panache.
Rosie Fern is equally superb as the tyrannical Headmistress, Agatha Trunchbull, clearly relishing her villainous role with a commanding and comedic performance, alongside excellent support from Lacey Porter as kindly and charming Miss Honey. Casey Bryans is captivating as Matilda’s self-appointed best friend, Lavender, while Elsie Kennelly (Amanda), Isobel Fielder (Nigel) and Ethan Whyte (Bruce) all have their moments to shine.
Sienna Piper and Emma Noades both show clear aptitude for comedy as Matilda’s parents, Mr & Mrs Wormwood, while Eva Fern somehow manages to steal the scene every time she appears as Rudolpho, Mrs Wormwood’s dance partner, without actually detracting from the other actors on stage (no mean feat!).
Florence Colley (Escapologist) and Bella Botto (Acrobat) are charmingly charismatic as Matilda’s characters in her imaginative story to librarian, Mrs Phelps (with an equally engaging performance from Freya Gray), and the way their story is related is achieved brilliantly.
As with many diamonds, there were a few rough edges that will hopefully be smoothed out over the remaining performances, with a few glitches with mics, possible feedback difficulties leading to a few (quickly corrected) tuning issues, missing projections and an ongoing drawback at the venue with being able to see what is happening in the wings, but these challenges only continue to prove how professional and focused the youngsters are with their performances, teamwork and discipline both on and off stage. Nothing fazed them or dampened their enthusiasm, energy and sheer joie de vivre, and I left the theatre with a huge smile on my face – and the soundtrack playing on my way home!
Matilda Jr continues at The Rose Theatre, Barton Peveril Sixth Form, Eastleigh on Saturday 30 May (1:30pm and 6:30pm) and on Sunday 31 May (1:30pm).
