Schoolgirl Matilda Tasker is stepping into the spotlight later this month when she takes to the stage with Harrogate’s Phoenix Players in their latest musical Fiddler on the Roof!
The 11-year-old pupil at Belmont Grosvenor School has been cast as one of Tevye’s five daughters in the world-famous musical.
Matilda, Head Girl at the co-educational Harrogate prep school is excited about her role as Bielke, the youngest of the daughters in the show, which charts the life of Jewish milkman Tevye and his attempts to maintain his religious and cultural traditions as life changes around him.
Set in Imperial Russia in 1905, Matilda has been rehearsing for the show since September last year – and can’t wait for the musical to open at Harrogate Theatre on 28 January 2015.
A member of Belmont Grosvenor School’s drama group Curtain Call, Matilda, who lives near Knaresborough, also has singing lessons at school.
Last year the Year 6 pupil won a role in the Phoenix Players’ production of Oliver – but this year she has a much larger part in Fiddler on the Roof.
Matilda said:
I get to say some lines this year – it is such fun, and everyone gets on really well together. I can’t wait for the show to open.
We started rehearsing in September, it’s a lot of hard work – but I’m really enjoying it and the show is going to be great.
Independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor, along with its Magic Tree Nursery, is set in 20 acres of grounds at Birstwith, on the outskirts of Harrogate, and cares for children from three months to 11 years old.
Jane Merriman, Headteacher at Belmont Grosvenor School said the entire school was proud of Head Girl Matilda and her role in the musical.
Jane Merriman said:
Music and drama are an important part of life at Belmont Grosvenor School – from an early age all our pupils are introduced to performing, singing and playing musical instruments.
We are very proud of Matlida winning a part with Harrogate’s Phoenix Players – she follows in the footsteps of many Belmont Grosvenor School pupils to win roles in both professional and amateur productions and we are sure she will do herself, and our school, proud.
Tickets are currently on sale for the show, which opens on Thursday 28 January and runs until Saturday 30 January 2016. For more information contact Harrogate Theatre box office on 01423 502116.
