Lucy Hall is one of many youngsters taking centre stage in Girton Grammar's production of Matilda.
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The year 7 student has never read the Roald Dahl book but she is keenly aware of the strong message Matilda gives to audiences.
"I saw the Melbourne production when it was here and have seen the movie," she said. "(I don't relate to Matilda) in the sense that she was bullied but she is a role model for people.
"She shows you don't always have to put up with bullying and that you can stand up for yourself."
Lucy said the production has been an amazing experience.
Girton head of drama and director Mandy Ellison said the musical was a big one to step into.
"We discovered it has so many tricks and turns in it," she said. "This is the professional production from teh UK so the musicians have been challenge. They're brilliant but it has been a challenge."
Ms Ellison said she hopes Matilda shows students that the bar can always be raised.
"If you show them it can be done, they will rise to it," she said. "There have been a lot of hurdles but I look at them now and see them picking up each moment to rise to it."
The show also presents many technical challenges for the production team.
"We have found a lot of theatre magic in it," she said. "There are a lot of illusionary effects that required considered planning in set construction."
Ms Ellsion said the Matilda message was all encompassing.
"There's a significant message there," she said.
"This is about a girl who is bought up by uncaring parents in a rigid school system but it is also about out society and standing up for what we believe in.
"It's about standing up for someone else's rights and allowing your voice to be heard even when you might be in the minority."
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