Review of a Live Performance - Matilda

Matilda, a name that resonates in my generation thanks to the great children's author, Roald Dahl. Written in 1988 Matilda succeeded in becoming a classic children's book, one many still read today, filled with magic and hope. When adapted into a film in 1996 it was a hit with those familiar and those unaware of the girl with telekinesis powers. Having premiered at the RSC and being a sell out in 2010, Matilda the Musical now lives at The Cambridge Theatre, London. Written by playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by the anarchic comedian Tim Minchin, the performance makes for great entertainment, resonating from ages 5 up! With colourful lighting, catchy rhythms and relatable characters to keep the children engaged, adults are left laughing hysterically at the humour integrated throughout the characters and songs. 

If you don't know the story, it follows the life of a mistreated young girl, Matilda, who soon realises she has extraordinary intelligence and talent. Too involved in TV Mr and Mrs Wormwood, along with her nasty brother Michael, strive in making Matlida's life a misery. Matilda is over-joyed when sent to school, only to find that what awaits her there is much, much worse. The headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. An ex-Olympian hammer throw reigns the school and projects her negative thoughts towards children explicitly through punishing them with cruelty, such as locking them in the 'Chokey'; a room small enough to stand with nails and glass protruding from the walls, floor and door. Matilda's school teacher, Miss Honey, offers to encourage Matilda's skill whilst she receives no such luxury from anyone else. A dark secret is revealed causing Matilda to seek revenge against all those who do wrong to herself, her classmates and Miss Honey.  

The special effects team are due the greatest attention thanks to their heart stopping, jaw dropping moments of sheer brilliance. It is hard to imagine how they could achieve some of the cruel tricks presented in the book and film, Bruce Bogtrotter eating an entire chocolate cake, Amanda Thripp being swung around the playground by her pigtails and flung into the sky by the Trunchbull's ex-Olympian skill. Even moments of Matilda's telekinesis is produced leaving the audience in complete awe of the technical ability. A very successful team who have worked well to produced a spectacle.

The actors also deserve a great deal of credit, owing to the fact that the majority of them are children! Each child performer is buzzing with infectious energy and creates a fantastic and fun atmosphere for the audience to soak up and enjoy. Whilst the performance is aimed mostly at children, the adult audience members were of course catered for with off the cuff comments and cheeky looks from those on stage. The adults were also brilliant with their camp, over the top talents. Although slightly pantomime, especially Mr Wormwood's acting, they managed to keep the audience begging for more as each scene is ended with roars of laughter and thunderous applaud. 

It is a performance for all the family and an absolute must see I should add! If you grew up with Matilda being read to you, or have seen it on the big screen, it is now time for you to go and witness the live performance. It will blow your mind with it's absolute spectacular representation of a Roald Dahl classic.