It’s difficult to describe this show as anything other than sheer brilliance. If, like most people, you are already a fan of the Roald Dahl books, and I’d be surprised to find many people who aren’t, you will no doubt be familiar with this absolute classic story. It is just one of many well-known stories by this brilliant writer, who was also author to great works such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and The BFG. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has also recently spawned its own West-End musical, which will no doubt go on to do very well, but the story of Matilda has always been one of my personal favourites, so I was very excited to see how it would be performed on the stage.
In the 3 years since this show has been running, it has already won more Olivier Awards than any other musical, at 7, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2012. It then moved to Broadway, where it won another 5 Tony Awards in 2013. It has received critical acclaim from both sides of the Atlantic, and many are eager to see what the show’s composer and lyricist Tim Minchin will write next.
The show’s songs, and in particular their lyrics are some of the cleverest I have heard in musical theatre and should be highly praised. This production really does just go from strength to strength. The direction and production design is equally as inventive and is very fun to watch. The finale number, where each cast member takes their bow, involves the cast riding children’s scooters around on the stage, and an earlier number uses complex choreography with swings extending down from the ceiling over the stage. It is also a real delight to watch plenty of young stars acting and singing so well, and in front of such a large audience. It’s no wonder that the original actresses to play the title role, between them, won the Olivier award for Best Lead Actress, a feat for which they should be tremendously proud of at such a young age.
The show, in case you are one of a small few who are unfamiliar with the tale, centres around the life of the title character, a young girl, who is unloved and not cared for by her parents. Despite this, she has extraordinary talent at reading, and excels at school. Her parents, who hate books and just sit around and watch TV, are not bothered by her extreme skill. Her teacher, Miss Honey, on the other hand, does notice, and is amazed by Matilda's ability. Unfortunately, both are terrified of her school’s evil Headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who is a mean bully. Matilda must use everything she’s got to try and overthrow Miss Trunchbull from her horrible rule, and to find someone who will really look after and care for her, where her parents will not.
The show is in fact my favourite version of this beloved story, though it is not the first adaptation. I found that the musical kept fairly true to the original book, and used the music to focus on key themes to the story, such as courage and standing up for what’s right. It is, centrally, a story of empowerment against those who try to knock us down, and is wonderfully written and acted throughout. This show truly deserves to be watched and is an absolute model piece of theatre. I have no doubt that it will be around for years to come, and continue to amuse audiences indefinitely!
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