May 08 - 8 year-old makes West End debut
8 year-old Matilda Castrey, a pupil of the Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Reigate made her West End acting debut last week. Matilda has the part of Jo in the play ‘The City’ in London’s Royal Court Theatre. In this widely acclaimed play by Martin Crimp, Matilda has some challenging scenes with Benedict Cumberbatch who plays her father. Neither this, not the scenes where she plays the piano have phased Matilda who has taken it all in her stride and delivered excellent performances.Matilda has had a busy few months; as well as rehearsals for the play and keeping up with her normal school work, she has also been recording a series of adverts for Knorr Ragu sauce. These will be appearing at the beginning and end of ‘Home and Away’ on Channel 5 from September this year.
Matilda is not the first in her family to enjoy West End success – big sister, 10 year old Madeline is currently appearing as ‘Young Nala’ in the Lion King.
Matilda says “Everyone at the theatre has been lovely to me especially the actors - I‘ve learnt a lot from them.”
Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis says ‘Matilda has delivered some inspired performances in plays at School so it comes as no surprise that she is a successful West End performer.’
