A GROUP of musical marvels are starring in the new Matilda film alongside big name actors including Emma Thompson, with the film set to debut in cinema’s this week. 

Excitement is growing among the youngsters with the film, Matilda the Musical, set to be released in cinemas up and down the country on Friday. 

Ivy and Elsie Blackshaw and Rosie Jarvis, from Hockley, Honey Rose Quinn, from Eastwood, Libby Brenkley, from Rochford, Grace Rodgers and Little Ralph from Rayleigh, and Holly Allen from Benfleet, all play Matilda’s schoolmates in the movie. 

READ MORE >> Southend Airport's innovative way to stay open this winter as announcement made

The group, who were aged between 11 and 13 at the time of filming, are members of the Classified Entertainment Kids Agency, based in Southend. 

In August 2020, they went through three rounds of auditions, before being selected for their parts.

They then spent January 2021 to September 2021 in London rehearsing and filming, which included being schooled on site.

Christabelle Huddleston, part of the agency and teacher to the girls, said : “When they found out about getting the roles, they were over the moon.

“They recently went to the premier for a cast showing and went up there together, where they had the most special time.

“Once you finish filming, it is then around a year in production, so it has been a long time coming.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the girls; they have blown everyone away with how they handled themselves.

“They will never forget this, they will always remember how special it was, and that is was a really magical experience.”

Matilda the Musical is an adaptation of the award-winning musical, itself based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel, where an “extraordinary girl with a sharp mind, and vivid imagination, dares to take a stand against her oppressive parents and head teacher”.

Christabelle Huddleston added: “It was so hard for them, but we couldn’t believe how well they handled themselves in a professional way.

“They put in so much work for this.”

Classified Entertainment Kids Agency have auditions coming up in January for talent dancers. Anyone interested can email belle@classifiedent.com