Dark comedy, larger-than-life characters and heartfelt storytelling are delighting audiences in Theatre Whakatāne’s production of Matilda The Musical – and few characters loom larger than the terrifying Miss Trunchbull.

Playing the infamous headmistress of Crunchem Hall is Hawke’s Bay performer Pete Tihema, who says stepping into the role of the tyrannical villain has been hugely enjoyable.

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, with a clever script by Dennis Kelly and razor-sharp songs by Tim Minchin, the musical follows gifted young Matilda Wormwood as she navigates neglectful parents, frightening authority figures and, ultimately, kindness and courage.

Tihema first played Miss Trunchbull last year for the Napier Operatic Society, where he works as musical director.

“Normally I’m teaching vocals, conducting the orchestra or looking after the music side of things,” he said. “But I’ve always been passionate about acting too.”

A character actor, Tihema said he enjoyed roles that allowed him to completely transform.

“For me it’s all about storytelling, letting the character tell their story through me,” he said.

“This role lets me transform my voice, my appearance and really delve into the character’s psyche.”

Part of the transformation comes from the elaborate costume created by Simone Ashton, with Tihema working closely alongside her to create the exaggerated look of the imposing headmistress.

This season, he said he wanted to push the villain even further.

“She’s darker this time, a little more unstable and unmanaged – and overall, more fun,” he said with a laugh.

Though audiences see Miss Trunchbull as terrifying, Tihema admits he has developed a soft spot for the character.

“As an actor, I always try to build a backstory,” he said.

“There must be some kind of trauma she is dealing with. There’s something underneath that explains why she is the way she is.”

Opposite the fearsome Trunchbull is the gentle and compassionate Miss Honey, played by Eastern Bay performer Jess Walker.

Walker said the role was a major departure from the characters she would usually audition for.

“I normally go for the big theatrical or villainous roles,” she said. “So, this was definitely a challenge, but also incredibly enjoyable.”

Walker said director Trace Tidd helped her explore the vulnerability and quiet strength that define Miss Honey.

“She can come across fragile, but she’s also incredibly strong,” Walker said of her character.

“Finding that balance between vulnerability and strength has been such a beautiful challenge as an actor.”

Vocally, the role also pushed Walker, who also sings opera, outside her comfort zone, particularly in the solos Pathetic and This Little Girl.

“The technique has been quite challenging because the songs sit very high in my head voice,” she said.

“With vocal director Adele Dixon’s help, I’ve learned a lot of new techniques to do that.”

Walker, who teaches at Stage Door Performing Arts Academy, said she especially enjoyed working alongside the production’s large cast of children and youth performers.

“I love working with children, and that connection really helped me relate to Miss Honey because she’s so passionate about teaching,” she said.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Walker has lived in Whakatāne for eight years after training at the Arts Educational Schools London.

Since arriving in the Eastern Bay, she has become a familiar face in concerts and Theatre Whakatāne productions.

Both actors say the show’s magic lies in its timeless storytelling and strong ensemble cast.

“It’s classic Roald Dahl storytelling,” Tihema said.

“And just a fantastic ensemble,” Walker added.

Matilda the Musical is on at Whakatāne Little Theatre until May 30.