Image: Matilda the Musical via rad1sh.wordpress.com
W.C. Fields’ famously caustic advice about not working with children or animals has little sway today, where the agency of children as performers is increasingly recognised. From small devised works, to major commercial productions such as Matilda the Musical, which last week announced the casting of the four young actresses – Molly Barwick, Sasha Rose, Georgia Taplin and Bella Thomas – who will share the lead role in the forthcoming Australian production, children are increasingly seen on our stages in both minor and major roles.