Raetihi's Little Dahlings shine

Raetihi Primary School performing Arts students hit the boards this week with their musical Little DAHLings.

The show is a musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl book and and smash hit West End Show Matilda.

Performing arts teacher and director Dave Sims has not only mounted the show, rehearsed his cast solidly for nine weeks, designed the set, he's in it as well.

Sims is playing the evil, bully headmistress Wanda Punishem.

He said the idea to adapt the musical was mooted last year after headmaster Nuku Wallace has seen the musical Matilda in London with his daughter and loved it.

Sims said they were very careful as they adapted parts from the story and everyone was delighted at how it has turned out.

"We have such talented students in our performing arts group. Performing with them has been great fun for all of us.''

Theatre especially musical theatre has always been been a love of Sims.

Before he came to Raetihi and Ohakune, he also teaches performing arts at Ruapehu College, he was in London working as a musician.

Little DAHLings runs at the Raetihi School Hall from Thursday until Saturday and entrance is a gold coin donation.