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Musical casts voices 'beyond the M25' for UK tour

Holly Haworth-Hurst
Matilda the Musical 8 child actors are on stage in different fancy dress costumes, they're celebrating a birthday with balloons, food and presents. They are all stood in a different pose during the scene with the actors playing their parents stood behind them holding presents in the air. Matilda the Musical
Matilda the Musical UK Tour stars children from within an hour of Manchester in a casting first

A musical director has spoken about his determination to have a cast that could represent "voices beyond the M25".

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has brought its UK Tour of Matilda The Musical to Manchester's Palace Theatre until 25 April with 23 children from the North West starring in it.

Associate director Joseph Pitcher, said: "The RSC were keen to reach out to young performers who wouldn't necessarily have the chance, to represent voices beyond the M25."

The show, which has hit songs like 'Revolting Children' and 'When I Grow Up', started its UK tour at The Curve Theatre in Leicester, before making stops in Liverpool and Bradford.

Matilda the Musical The cast of Matilda the Musical are huddled together in the final pose of a big group number. Some older cast members are holding children up in the air, with other kids gathered at the front with their fists pumped to the sky or holding out peace signs. Matilda the Musical
Directors said they found "an abundance of local talent" during auditions

When talking about the auditions, which were held in Manchester last year, resident director Matthew Boland said it was "amazing to be in the city with the abundance of young local talent".

"I think Manchester and the surrounding areas are a real creative hub and you felt that energy everyday," he added.

When asked how it felt giving these kids this golden opportunity Joseph added: "I feel an immense amount of pride and why not do this sort of thing again."

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