Matilda Jr - August 29 - August 30, 2025
St Patrick's College Mackay
Who's Who
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Paislee Coben
as Matilda Wormwood
Paislee performed her first dance solo at 3 years old, and the rest, as they say, is history. She studies all forms of dance and musical theatre at Aspire Performing Arts, appearing as a featured dancer in the Aspire Musicals of 2023 and 2024, and in 2025 took on the role of Rumpleteazer in Cats. Earlier this year, Paislee was also cast as Baby Bear in MMCP’s production of Goldilocks. Paislee has been recognised with a major drama award at the Mackay Eisteddfod for the past three years, alongside dance awards from the Mackay, Emerald, Ayr, and Rockhampton Eisteddfods. In 2024, she received the Cook Family Award for excellence in Arts and Cultural Activities.
This is Paislee’s first year at St Patrick’s College, and she has loved the opportunity to work with the production team and perform alongside new friends. With dreams of one day performing on Broadway, Paislee hopes you enjoy Matilda Jr. as much as she has enjoyed being part of it.
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Elise Doherty
as Miss Honey
Elise is definitely not a new face to theatre and performing in Mackay, with Matilda Jr. marking her 14th production. She's had the opportunity to play a range of leading and supporting roles, including Elle Woods in Legally Blonde with Aspire Performing Arts, one of the Three Blind Mice in Shrek, and most recently Wendy Jo in Footloose with Mackay Musical Comedy Players. Not only is she a familiar face in the musical theatre world of Mackay, but also at the Mackay Eisteddfod where she competes in many group and solo sections for dance, drama and singing. Elise participated in Theatre Arts Queensland’s Theatre Residency Week for three years and has attended a workshop with Tyran Parke, Director of the Victorian College of the Arts.
Her favourite memory from Matilda Jr. has been meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones in her senior year at St Patrick’s College. Elise is grateful for the chance to work alongside so many talented individuals.
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Ethan Forde
as Agatha Trunchbull
Ethan’s theatre journey includes playing Past Scrooge in Scrooge and the Medicine Man in Peter Pan with Mackay Musical Comedy Players. Matilda Jr marks his return to the stage after a five-year break — and what a return, stepping into the formidable role of Agatha Trunchbull!
Ethan is so grateful for this production of Matilda Jr. as it has rekindled his love for theatre and strengthened his friendships.
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