Matilda star Molly Barwick sang and danced for 60 performances of the hit musical, now it’s time for netball and rollerblading

MATILDA star Molly Barwick is enjoying a break from the limelight to concentrate on serious kids’ business. But she couldn’t pass up the chance to perform in the Schools Spectacular.

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CAMMERAY schoolgirl Molly Barwick is happy to be just Molly again.

For months, the pint-sized star played the lead role of Matilda in the hit musical of the same name.

“I just want to be a normal kid for a while,’’ she said.

Not that Molly, 11, didn’t love every minute of her 60 performances in the musical’s Sydney season, alternating the role with three other girls.

“I love the buzz and excitement of being on stage and I really liked the serious side of Matilda,’ she said.

“I feel so lucky to have been Matilda but now I am happy to do other things like singing and netball and rollerblading.”

Molly on set with the other Matildas ... Sasha Rose, Bella Thomas and Georgia Taplin. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Molly was walking home from school with her mum when her agent rang to say she’d got the part.

“I was so excited, I laughed and cried with happiness all the way home,’’ she said.

Molly says she was the most nervous when nearly her whole school Cammeray Public turned up to watch her performance.
“But I just had to put on my Matilda face,’’ she said.

The four young performers who played Matilda during the show’s Sydney season: Georgia Taplin, Bella Thomas, Sasha Rose and Molly Barwick.

As a small child, Molly was always dancing and singing which prompted first ballet lessons and then some singing lessons.

She has also appeared in commercials and on television but her next big gig is the Schools Spectacular.

Molly will be a featured artist in the 2016 Schools Spectacular. Picture: Anna Warr

Molly has been chosen as a featured artist in the huge event at Sydney Olympic Park in November.

The Schools Spectacular will feature 2300 dancers and a choir of 2700 with 39 individual singers, all drawn from NSW public schools.

Molly says she’s looking forward to the event and to being reunited with other young cast members from Matilda who have also been chosen.

DETAILS

The Schools Spectacular will be held at the Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park at 11am and 7.30pm on November 25 and at 1pm and 7pm on November 26.