StageWorks Bringing Matilda to The Kenton Theatre
StageWorks, a local Performing Arts school, will be back on stage at The Kenton Theatre with their new production, Matilda Jr., during the week commencing 21 November. Directed by Lloyd White, choreographed by Nicky Jaggar, and with Musical Direction by Caroline Webb, it promises fantastic entertainment for all the family, with “high energy dance numbers and catchy songs.”
StageWorks have been established in Henley for twenty-three years and offer performing arts classes for children aged 3-16. Their principal, Emma Jane Taylor, says it has been a tough time for performing arts because of Covid and during the past two years, although they didn’t miss a performance, they had to move online or change their usual schedule. Now, they are back and looking forward to showing off all their hard work.
Talking about what StageWorks does, Emma Jane, emphasised the importance of performing arts for children, and how it establishes vital skills such as, self-belief, determination and confidence, especially during the informative years of ages three to eight, and then continues to nourish and build those skills beyond that period. Emma Jane is proud to be “continuing to invest in children” and loves how the “community has come together” post covid so productions such as Matilda Jr. can continue after the difficult couple of years.
Emma Jane wants both business and community to thrive. She says, acknowledging the cost-of-living crisis, that there is always a way for children to be involved and asks parents to approach StageWorks to talk about options for their children because she always wants to help children and their families through performing arts. Similarly, she thinks the local community could do more. “Wouldn’t it be great if local restaurants offered discounts on children’s meals with a theatre ticket?” she suggests and she wants to send out an invitation to businesses to invest in the community and build together. She believes, “as a town we could come together to support children and business.”
Tickets for Matilda Jr. are now on sale and can be purchased from The Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk/event/matilda-jnr/137478 and to find out more about StageWorks visit their website www.stageworks.org.uk
