Bangkok Patana School’s production of Matilda Jr. was a powerful reflection of what inclusive theatre can achieve when creativity, collaboration and careful design come together. Attending the performance on Friday 8th May 2026, were representatives from the National School Theatre Awards (NSTA) Theatre. The representatives noted that “from the moment the audience entered the theatre, it was clear they were in for a vibrant, energetic, and highly polished performance.”
The National School Theatre Awards (NSTA) is a prestigious award platform based in the UK, that honours outstanding school productions for students aged 11 to 18. Often referred to as “the Oscars for schools,” the awards celebrate creative talent and highlight the hard work of both students and teachers. Our school received a positive review of Matilda Jr from the NSTA.
What resonated most strongly with the visiting NSTA rep was how the production captured the spirit of Roald Dahl’s story. The NSTA representatives praised how the young cast “captured the humour, heart and rebellion at the centre of this much-loved musical,” successfully transporting the audience “into Matilda’s imaginative world with confidence and flair.” The ensemble’s energy, physicality and commitment brought warmth and excitement to every scene, creating a performance that felt joyful and purposeful throughout.
Central to this success was the format of the play itself. As the NSTA representative noted, the production was “intentionally designed as a four-part work and delivered through a quadruple-casting structure to ensure inclusive participation of every pupil in Year 6.” Across two performances, eight different classes took part, with each class leading a distinct section of the story. This structure enabled “strong ensemble ownership” while also allowing “eight principal roles across the two shows,” ensuring that every student had a meaningful role on stage.
Described by the NSTA representatives as “an impressive demonstration of inclusion and collaboration,” Matilda Jr. stood as a celebration of collective effort — a production that valued every performer and showcased the power of shared storytelling.