‘Matilda: The Musical’ in the West End

Matilda is one of the most beloved books in Roald Dahl’s repertoire: clever and darkly funny like a lot of his work. Matilda is a highly intelligent little girl who is raised by her ignorant parents and bullied with her fellow-pupils by the mean head teacher Miss Trunchbull. When Matilda discovers she has special powers, she aims to take revenge…

After premiering in December 2010 in Stratford, Matilda: The Musical received spectacular reviews. When the RSC production moved to the West End, it was coined ‘the family musical hit of the year’ and I think you should believe the hype: this is a theatre treat.

The original text has a lot to appeal to both adult and child audiences. Roald Dahl managed to describe situations bordering child abuse in such manner that it was both believable and yet funnily absurd. The RSC has used the staging and dress of the characters, theatrical, colourful and completely over-the-top, to balance out the harshness of Matilda’s grotesque parents; who are effectively verbally abusing their daughter for her intelligence on a daily basis. The text by Dennis Kelly and the lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin fit Roald Dahl’s style: sharp, sarcastic with an element of surprise.

The character of Matilda is, like all the children’s parts, alternated by different actresses for different shows. In our performance Chloe Demetriou played the child prodigy with the confidence of an experienced pro. She delivered lines and lyrics with clarity and conviction, a real feat: Minchin’s word-smithery is astounding but he does like to cram made-up words with as many syllables as possible into a sentence. All the children’s performances in fact are solid, well-sung and the slick choreography of the piece, from the first song to the bows, heightens the visual pleasure.

The medium of theatre is used to the fullest: the set automatically morphs into different scenes, its elements slotting seamlessly into the floors and backdrops.  The incorporated B-story of The Burning Woman Hurling Through The Air With Dynamite In Her Hair, Over Sharks and Spiky Objects Caught By The Man Locked In The Cage that Matilda tells to the librarian is alternatively projected, played out by puppets and by actors on stage.

Another highlight is Bertie Carvel’s Miss Trunchbull, a big bully and yet strangely feminine: her hammer-swinging act with Matilda’s schoolmate emphasises the magic of a live-event.

Yet, what keeps Matilda: The Musical from turning into absurd comedy and what captures its audience, is its emotion. Minchin and Kelly have managed to capture the recognisable conflicting emotions of humans. The quiet bravery of self-effacing Miss Honey, the adult world seen through children’s eyes and Matilda’s fight against injustice, while having the basic need to be part of her family: it adds another layer to this fantastic production.

Matilda: The Musical manages to delight and entertain its audience, which is really just a big group of children of all ages.

Matilda: The Musical has an extended run at:

Cambridge Theatre
Seven Dials
32-34 Earlham Street
Covent Garden
WC2H 9HU