Matilda at Perryfields Academy: A Black Country secondary school has staged its first big musical production since the end of the pandemic – and threw open its doors to invite hundreds of local primary pupils to enjoy it.
Talented students at Perryfields Academy, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust, took to the stage to put on Roald Dahl’s magical classic Matilda, performing six shows over four days to not only to their parents but to 600 excited youngsters from local primary schools.
Based on the much-loved children’s story, Matilda tells the story of a precocious five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis.
Students Tegan Jeanes and Jaya Thompson-Davis played Matilda, while fearsome headteacher Miss Trunchbull was played by Jessica Hymers.
Matilda at Perryfields Academy was magical
Head of School Clare Harris said: “Perryfields is a school that is at the heart of the communities it serves, and each year we welcome new students from 50 primary schools across the Black Country.
“So, it was fantastic to be able to open our doors and invite hundreds of their pupils in to see our talented cast perform Matilda, as well as their family and friends.
“The students have worked so hard to put this show together and it was wonderful to have a proper audience come into school and enjoy the results of their hard work.”
Perryfields, in Oldbury, recently made national headlines when it announced that it would be providing free uniforms for every new pupil, to help parents with the rising cost of living.