Matilda’s cast of ‘worms and maggots’ ready for Hamilton Operatic's BNZ Theatre debut

Friday, 26 June 2026

Bianca Tanuvasa, left, and Kahurangi Potae-Tamatea are each taking on the central role of Matilda in Hamilton Operatic Society's production, which opens at the BNZ Theatre on Saturday.

Hamilton audiences won’t be seeing double when they head into the BNZ Theatre to see Matilda - unless they also go to the following night’s show too.

Hamilton Operatic’s production of the Tony Award-winning musical about the titular schoolgirl gifted with sharp wits and psychokinetic abilities will have its opening night at the city’s new entertainment venue on Saturday.

Each of the subsequent eight performances will feature an alternating cast of the show’s younger performers - who comprise a big portion of the production’s core players.

This includes the pair of actresses who will play Matilda, 13-year-olds Bianca Tanuvasa and Kahurangi Potae-Tamatea - two of the 27 young woman who auditioned for the role.

Kahurangi Potae-Tamatea as one of the two Matildas who will take centre stage in the musical that begins a season at the BNZ Theatre this weekend.

“Difficult decisions are a part of every production, but they are made with great care and consideration,” said director David Sidwell. “We are immensely proud of the talented company we have assembled, and both Bianca and Kahurangi for bringing Matilda to life.

“Casting two Matildas and sharing the role allows each Matilda to shine while ensuring the character’s energy, wonder and spirit remain vibrant throughout the season.”

The two groups the kids’ cast have been divided into have been affectionately dubbed Worms and Maggots. Tanuvasa will play Matilda for the Worms, while Potae-Tamatea will step into the role for the Maggots performances.

The pair, who have known each other since they were six, have been working together on mastering the role through dozens of rehearsals.

“These past couple months have been such a blast, and having Kahu as my double has made the experience so much fun,” said Tanuvasa.

“She is such a joy to be around with her contagious, bubbly energy and talent to match. This role is not easy but having each other has really helped. The Matilda experience - and Kahu - will always have a very special place in my heart.”

Bianca Tanuvasa (Matilda), Jessica Ruck-Nu’u (Miss Honey) and Kahurangi Potae-Tamatea (Matilda) are ready to wow audiences during the musical's season at the BNZ Theatre, which runs from Saturday, June 27 until Sunday, July 5.

Adds Potae-Tamatea: “We knew each other before Matilda, but not very well.

“Rehearsing with Bianca has been fun and she picks up dances much faster than me - so she’s helped me learn the routines. Bianca’s really smart and also really caring and compassionate.”

Inspired by the dark imagination of Roald Dahl, the show features the musical direction of Nick Braae and choreography by Sonja McGirr-Garrett and Cassidy Garrett.

Among the cast are some of Hamilton Operatic’s best-known performers, including Scot Hall as the tyrannical headmistress Agatha Trunchbull, Jessica Ruck-Nu’u as the kind-hearted Miss Honey, and Nick Wilkinson as Mr Wormwood.

With tickets for all of the shows selling fast, the entire Matilda cast and crew were looking forward to giving the BNZ Theatre a Hamilton Operatic christening - and none more so than Sidwell.

“For years, Hamilton audiences have been waiting for the return of truly large-scale musical theatre,” he said.

“The closure of Founders Theatre [in 2016] left a significant gap in our cultural landscape, making this production feel all the more special.

“Opening the first major musical at BNZ Theatre is a milestone for everyone who believes in the power of live performance, and we are absolutely delighted to be helping usher in this new era.”