In a bold and imaginative twist on a modern classic, Turves Green Boys' School brought Roald Dahl’s beloved Matilda the Musical to life this September, but with a clever reimagining that made it uniquely their own. Enter Matthew the Musical a heartfelt, humorous, and high-energy adaptation that swapped the precocious girl genius for a bright, book-loving boy, delivering both a crowd-pleasing spectacle and a powerful message about resilience, kindness, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.
While the core of the story remained the same a young child misunderstood by his family and mistreated by a tyrannical Headteacher, who discovers the power of his mind and his voice the shift to a male protagonist brought fresh perspective and allowed for a deeper connection with the all-boys pupil body. The character of Matthew felt immediately authentic: a quiet thinker, a lover of stories, and a champion for justice.
Matthew's journey resonated strongly with both performers and audience members, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, literacy, and confidence in young individuals.
Year 8 pupil A Moore gave a standout performance in the title role, bringing emotional depth, humour, and vulnerability to Matthew. With clear diction, expressive acting, and strong vocals, A Moore captured the audience’s hearts and carried the show with impressive maturity.
Supporting roles sparkled as well: J Choi as Mr Honey brought warmth and charm to the role of Matthew’s caring teacher, while Year 11’s O Perrett gave an unforgettable performance as the fearsome and hilarious Mr Truncheon the school’s formidable Headteacher. His booming voice, exaggerated physicality, and comic timing had the audience in stitches.
The ensemble cast delivered energy and enthusiasm in every dance number, with choreography adapted to suit the talents of the cast while maintaining the dynamic feel of the original West End show.
This production was a true collaborative effort across departments. From tech crews to set builders, costume designers to usher who all took part in the making of Matthew the Musical, supported by a passionate team of staff.
Mrs Haynes Director of Creative Arts, shared:
“We wanted to create something that felt personal and empowering for our boys. Adapting Matilda allowed us to explore themes of individuality, courage, and education and Matthew became a character that the boys could see themselves in. The response has been overwhelming.”
At its heart, Matthew the Musical was more than just entertainment. It was a celebration of student voice, creativity, and empowerment a reminder that brilliance can come from anywhere, and that the quiet ones are often the ones with the most to say.
As the final bows were taken to thunderous applause, it was clear that this was a performance no one would soon forget. Turves Green Boys' School didn't just put on a show they made a statement.
