Meet Matilda

PANTO PRODIGY!

The author of this year’s pantomime is 13-year-old Matilda Dickson. Stanwell Park Arts Theatre’s Beth Farmer reports.

A longstanding tradition, the panto is our biggest event and always goes off with a BANG! Written by 13-year old Matilda Dickson, directed by her dad Matt and produced by her mum Rhiannon, this year’s show is truly a family affair. I sat down for a chat with one of SPAT’s busiest members.

How did you come to be involved in SPAT? Years ago my grandmother was a founder of SPAT so it’s in my blood; I didn’t have much choice about it! Four years ago I was in the chorus of my first panto, Babes in the Wood, and I was hooked.

What are you involved in altogether? Apart from panto, this year I was in SPAT Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, SPAT Singers’ Love and Other Frustrations, and I play tenor saxophone in the SPAT orchestra. It’s been a busy year!

Tell us what inspired you to write Liesl and the Lost Melody? I like to write and I’ve tried writing scripts before,

my dad gave me a hand to smooth out some of the creases! I took some ideas from The Goodies, Star Wars, The Sound of Music, and the story is based on Cinderella, with a twist.

Give us a rundown of the plot. I play Liesl, a girl with a beautiful singing voice, who lives in Stanwell Park which is ruled by the evil Baroness Shrader. In a fit of envy, the Baroness bans music so Liesl escapes to Thirroul to try and bring the music back to Stanwell Park. There are ghosts, fairies, songs and silliness, and a big plot twist to keep you guessing!

Sounds scary! Who is it suitable for? Anyone! The humour will appeal to kids, the songs will appeal to the parents.

n At the CWA Hall. 7, 8, 14, and 15 Dec at 7.30pm; 9 & 16 Dec at 3pm. $20 adult, $15 concession and $55 family (2 adults, 3 children) at spat.org.au. 2508