YESTERDAY'S UK launch of the new movie Matilda the Musical brought great praise for the latest adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel – but nowhere was pride and appreciation for the production greater than in Thurrock where families, friends and fellow performers of two young musical theatre youngsters watched the film for the first time.

Jackson Osegbo-King and Lily-Anne Saillart (pictured below), who are graduates of the Stanford-le-Hope-based Youth Creation Dance School, are part of the film cast.

Following the film's launch on Friday, 25 November, Jackson's mum Danna told Thurrock Nub News: "Jackson has loved dancing from a very young age (as well as being goalkeeper for a local football team).

"He performs in dance shows and competitions and has attended Youth Creation Performing Arts since he was just four years old. He also dances with Nathan Ramsey at the Diversity Studios.

"He has trained with Sean Paul Smith and Ellen Kane. Earlier this year Jackson filmed a number of music videos with Kidz Bop Uk. During the summer he started worked on his second movie.

A shot from the film.

"Jackson absolutely loved being part of Matilda. During his nine months of filming he sequestered 5weeks in 2021 due to covid. He met some great friends and has kept in touch with them. He is extremely excited about the release,"

Lily-Anne also began to perform aged four.

She has featured in many dance shows and competitions and was part of the Thameside Theatre's 2019 panto Dick Whittington.

She has attended Youth Creation and Move It performing arts since being four years old and now attends the illustrious Sylvia Young Theatre School full time and the Hague Institution of Performing Arts where she recently won a national tap title.

Lily is currently performing in Aladdin at Ilford's Kenneth Moore theatre and as well as her previous appearance at the Thameside she performed in Basildon Towngate's panto Beauty and the Beast last year.

Lily says she loved being a part of Matilda the musical from the rehearsals all the way through to filming during nine months months during 2021.

Matlida th Musical is now on general release and can be seen at Vue, Lakeside.