RISING stars of the stage brought a Roald Dahl tale to life.

Chetwynde Senior School students spent six months working on Matilda the Musical Junior.

They took to the stage to perform in front of students from Chetwynde Primary School as well as pupils from Sandside in Ulverston.

Here's our review

"The show was brilliant, modern and funny with real lifts, scooters, as well as talented singing, dancing and acting.

Charlie Whalley’s Miss Trunchbull was hilarious and Gray Sutherland performed an incredible scene where his character Bruce Bogtrotter finishes an enormous Chocolate cake.

Gray said he had a real piece of chocolate cake and Nutella hidden at the side which he used to smear chocolate on his face.

The stage had a wonderful display with both 2D and 3D scenes, a projected backdrop and props donated by everyone involved or sourced from charity shops.

Students were able to use professional equipment, as the school rented microphones, lights and other special kit."

The musical was organised by Katherine Parkinson, The Head of Performing Arts at Chetwynde.

She put in a lot of hard work while directing the musical and got her husband Chris involved in the sound and lighting.

Katherine said: “We are very proud of the commitment, time and enthusiasm the children have shown. We had so many students audition that we decided to double cast most of the main roles so more children have the chance to perform."

Year 8 made the scrabble art which decorated the stage surroundings.

Students worked on the performance after school on Thursdays and came in some weekends to practice as well.

In the show we watched Matilda was played by year seven Ellie Monk who said being part of the performance was her first big role.

Iona Harvey also took on the role of Matilda. As a year 11 this is Iona’s last show with Chetwynde, but she is continuing her stage career by studying Performing Arts at Kendal next year.

When the students are not playing their character, they are still involved in the musical. While Ellie plays Matilda, Iona takes part in the chorus, singing and dancing with other members of the cast, some cast even share costumes.

Miss Trunchbull was played by Charlie Whalley from year nine, who was brilliantly funny as the angry headmistress.

He said: “It’s been an amazing new experience getting to meet everyone and be part of this nice close community on stage. Playing Mr Trunchbull has been the pinnacle of fun.”

Zofia Garbacz from year 10, played Ms Wormwood.

She said: “I love playing such a loud character and not taking myself too seriously.”

The cast said they loved the show and would like to thank Mrs Parkinson and her husband, Chris for everything they have done, as well as the backstage crew.