Matilda actress Kay Murphy, who plays Mrs Wormwood, meets some of the children from Dingwall Trust after the performace at the Civic. Photo / supplied.
Matilda actress Kay Murphy, who plays Mrs Wormwood, meets some of the children from Dingwall Trust after the performace at the Civic. Photo / supplied.
Dozens of New Zealand children in foster care have been treated to a night at the hit musical Matilda and a special meet and greet with the stars.
Kiwi philanthropist and Matilda producer, Michael Watt arranged for 55 children and carers from Dingwall Trust in Auckland to see the adaptation of Roald Dahl's famous book, on stage last week and weekend.
Matilda tells the story of a little girl who achieves brilliance and finds love and happiness despite a troubled family life.
Some of the 55 children in care at the Dingwall Trust who were invited to meet the cast of Matilda at The Civic in Auckland. Photo / supplied
The children attended over three nights and were invited to meet the stars on stage after the show. They all gave it rave reviews.
From his base in London Watt said he was thrilled to hear the children were so keen to see the production.
"It's fantastic that these kids were able to see this extremely well-crafted show. It's a pity we couldn't have done it for more Kiwi kids." Watt said.
Matilda actress Kay Murphy aka "Mrs Wormwood" chats to one of the boys from Dingwall Trust. Photo / supplied
Carers at Dingwall Trust said the children were thrilled to be given an opportunity to see Matilda and excitement had been building all week leading up to the shows.
"Everyone was just blown away by how amazing it all was, it totally exceeded everyone's expectation and we were all still buzzing the next morning," one caregiver said.
"It's just so great for these kids to be able to see such a high-quality professional live show, it's really inspiring."
Caregiver Delphine said being able to go on stage at the end of the night to meet the cast was special for the children.
Philanthropist and Matilda producer Michael Watt arranged for 55 kids and carers from Dingwall Trust in Auckland to see the show and meet the cast and crew. Photo / supplied
"They were able to meet the cast and ask them questions about their costumes and investigate more closely the set design - they were surprised to find the stage was sloping not flat!"
Delphine said she had to reassure some of the children at intermission that the show was just pretend.
"They were a bit upset at the meanness of Matilda's parents - it all seemed a bit too real!"
She said despite the tiredness of the children there was much chat on the way home.
Honey's favourite part was Matilda telling the story and the boys liked the thunder and laser beams.
Raymond's highlight was when the headmistress threw Amanda through the air using her pigtails.
Caregiver Peter said the show was his boy's first experience of a live production.
"It was brilliant for all of us," he said.
Dingwall Trust director Tracie Shipton said a key aspect of Dingwall's ethos was to provide opportunity and fulfilment for children in its care, but high-end productions like Matilda were difficult to fit into the budget.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone at MW Productions for making it possible for so many children to see this fantastic show," she said.
Michael Watt with children he provided aid to during his time in the Amazon in Peru. Photo / supplied
Alex Smeele at MW Productions said the fact the Matilda storyline was so similar to the lives of some of the children in care wasn't lost on Watt.
"I think Matilda, as well as being an entertaining children's story, also teaches young people that they have the power to shape their own future regardless of the environment they've grown up in," Smeele said.
"All it takes is a determination to do and be better, and the occasional helping hand never hurt."
Smeele said despite a difficult start in life Matilda strived to find happiness.
"She knew she deserved better and surrounded herself with people who could see her potential. I think there's a powerful lesson in that," Smeele said.
Watt came from humble beginnings in Christchurch before becoming a self-made billionaire through negotiating broadcast rights for international rugby, cricket and football.
He quickly realised money did not make him happy and started finding worthy ways to spend his millions.
He has set up and supported numerous charities and projects in third world and war-torn countries.
Watt has spent millions around the world helping children in need, including above in Mozambique.
He has built safe spaces for women in Mozambique and Bangladesh, schools for the blind, dental clinics and a refugee camp in Amman, Jordan.
He is also a business partner of former All Black captain Richie McCaw, has been a recipient of the New Zealand order of Merit and is one of the few New Zealanders to make the Sunday Times Rich List.
