Arts > Theatre

Matilda

Norwich Theatre Royal

20/07/19

Inspired by the magical, best-selling and much loved story by Roald Dahl, 'Matilda the Musical' made it's debut night at The Theatre Royal in Norwich tonight.

As a child who insisted on dressing up as Matilda every year for World Book Day, re-read the book more times than I had hot dinners, I suddenly felt like excited 5 year old me again, about to watch the film adaptation for the first time. The stage towers with endless tiles of Quentin Blake fonted letters, hidden with words relevant to the story. The rest of the scenery stays true to the colour pallettes of the movie. The scenary cleverly, jigsaws and connects throughout the fantastic story telling - making the show visually pleasing. The music and lyrics, written by Tim Minchin, please our ears with his genius wit and catchy melodies, that were even being sung by many as we later queued at the car park ticket machine. 

Matilda, played tonight by Sophie Woodhouse, perfects the role of the main character, taking us through every emotion throughout the performance and makes us root for her every step of the way. Every line, note and move is faultless. She delivers the performance effortlessly, inspiring us all to be fearless, empower others and be strong. 

During the introduction to Miss Trunchball, headmistress of Crunchem Hall and true believer that 'all children are maggots', it dawns on me that the role is played by a male, Elliott Harper, - a perfect choice. Harper brings a pantomime-esque feel to the character and shines a new light on Trunchball by balancing the terror of the story's villain with a strange likability through humourous mannerisms and one-liners.

The musical stays true to the book, ensuring it ticks all the boxes by capturing the iconic scenes we all know and love - hair swings, cake eating, hat glueing and hair dying! The musical ends with a wonderful finishing touch homage to the film, with both Miss Honey and Matilda cartwheeling into the happily ever after ending they both wished for. 

I leave the theatre feeling completely fulfilled, wanting to rewind and watch it all again, like I did with my Matilda VHS as a child. But reality calls, and I drive home to another Matilda, my daughter.