EXCITED students at a Rayleigh school are gearing up to present a production of Roald Dahl's iconic children's book, Matilda.

The Sweyne Park School, in Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, will present "Matilda The Musical Jr" on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

A school spokesman said: "Matilda, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, lives with cruel parents. But she forms a wonderful friendship with Miss Honey, a kind teacher, at her new school. Unfortunately, the school is ruled by a mean headmistress named Miss Trunchbull. Matilda is determined to change her story, but will her cleverness and courage be enough to withstand the reign of Miss Trunchbull?"

Echo: The cast - Sweyne Park pupils are excited to put on their latest production.The cast - Sweyne Park pupils are excited to put on their latest production. (Image: Sweyne Park School)

The show is adapted from the full-length musical based on the book by Roald Dahl, featuring a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. 

The show opened in the West End in 2011 and made its Broadway premiere in 2013, earning seven Olivier Awards, including “Best New Musical,” and five Tony awards, including the Tony for “Best Book of a Musical”.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7pm. Tickets are £8 for an individual ticket, or £25 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). For more information, contact dtownsend@sweynepark.com.