DID anyone catch the BBC adaptation of Matilda’s England, screened in 1979?

Well, two Somerset school pupils dropped their lessons for the bright lights of television and starring roles in the production when it was filmed, in September 1978.

A TV crew from BBC2 came to a secret location in West Somerset to film for the adaptation of William Trevor’s play.

And the stars of the show were 12-year-old Priorswood School pupil June Hooper, left in the picture, who played the young Matilda in the Second World War story, while Madeleine Reeves, 11, pictured right, a pupil at Courtfields School in Wellington, took on the role of Matilda’s best childhood best friend, Belle.

Jane said she was ‘very pleased’ to be picked for the role.

“At school I like doing plays and reading,” she added.

Madeline, of Gay Street, Wellington, said she hoped to become a choreographer when she was older.

Producer of the show, Ann Kirch, praised the performances of the Somerset youngsters.

She said: “These girls have been naturals and are real troopers.”

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