Performing Arts News
Trunchbull Meets Her Match
The fearsome Headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School as depicted in Roald Dahl’s classic storybook, Matilda, and played by James Millar in the Melbourne production of the Broadway and West End smash hit, Matilda the Musical, today met with the student who will play the same Miss Agatha Trunchbull role when Matilda the Musical comes to Bendigo.
Renowned actor, James Millar, visited Girton Grammar School to work with the cast of Matilda the Musical and VCE Theatres Studies and Drama classes. He also shared his expertise with Year 11 student, Kody Austin, who will play Miss Trunchbull at the Capital Theatre in June.
Mr Matthew Maruff, said that the whole school is abuzz with Matilda the Musical and that VCE Theatre Studies and Drama students cherished every word from the visiting actor.
“What an incredible experience for our students and in particular, for Kody, to work with a professional actor in such a relevant way.
“Mr Millar played the role of Miss Trunchbull for the entire two-year tour of Matilda the Musical in Australia and New Zealand, so he knows the character inside out and has so much to offer our students.
“Miss Trunchbull’s character is very physical so Kody is keen to get advice on how best to depict the gargantuan Headmistress whilst not overacting or allowing the costume to dictate his presence on stage,” Mr Maruff said.
James Millar studied writing at the University of Technology Sydney then Music Theatre at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and has pursued both of those creative interests for the last fifteen years. As well as extensive stage experience, he has featured in several television series’ including Home and Away, The Investigators and Water Rats: Police Rescue. He has written a number of books and has a swag of performance awards including the 2016 Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Musical for Matilda the Musical.
“Nothing can replace the power of role-modelling when it comes to inspiring young people in their passions and having Mr Millar generously share his craft with our students has been very special.
“Our students will remember this experience for a long time and have gained valuable insight into the world of theatre from one of Australia’s best stage performers,” Mr Maruff said.
From the students:
"When James was asked if he still gets nervous he said of course, but the way he thinks about it is what he is giving to the audience for their entertainment rather than focusing on himself. I found this really interesting and a way of thinking that I will definitely use in the future."
Emma Greenall
"Something that really interested me when James Millar came and talked to us, was about the performer/ audience relationship. Sometimes being a performer, we often forget that the audience is there because they want to enjoy the play. When you get on stage you have to remember that doing the best performance, as well as doing for the satisfaction for yourself, is about how much the audience enjoys the show. James talked about how no matter how you are feeling, weather you want to be doing it or not, once you get on the stage its not about you anymore its about the audiences experience and what they take away from the show."
Indi-Mara Bodin
Matilda the Musical will be performed from 19-22 June 2019 at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo
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