By Martha Rawling
‘Matilda the Musical’ is currently on tour. Martha and other lucky Year 7 students saw the performance at the Sunderland Empire.
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’Matilda the Musical’ brings a riot of unadulterated fun for the entire family! With its catchy songs and a cast of phenomenal actors, this show has it all. The play stays true to the original plot of Roald Dahl’s brilliant book, with the addition of numerous new twists and turns, adding to the spectacle of the live show. The character’s bold personalities shine through and are portrayed exceptionally by the actors, some of whom are incredibly young to be showing such talent. Each individual set is unique and creative, making the performance even more thrilling and exciting.
Matilda Wormwood, rejected and unwanted by her family, is a character who everyone can relate to. Upon starting school, she meets Miss Trunchbull, who shows her that there are monsters as brutal in reality as in the beloved books that she so heartily devours. From the start Matilda stands out for her broad general knowledge and impressive maths skills, astounding her classmates and her devoted teacher, Miss Honey. She later recognises that she can also do things others can only dream of, but is it enough to help her to overthrow the imposing Trunchbull? Can someone so little outmanoeuvre them all?
Another incredible feature of this show is the mind boggling acrobatic talent of the youngest cast members. In the spectacular ‘School Song’, multiple children climb the outer gate of the prison like school as new parts are added and removed to it. This risky choreography was absolutely breathtaking to watch. The song itself is hilarious too, as well as being recognisable to anyone who has been to school. The older students give lessons to the younger ones as they dance leap around and onto alphabet blocks with each block perfectly placed on the letter as it is sung.
“Like you I was curious (Q-rious)
So innocent I asked a thousand questions (R-sked)
But unless you want to suffer listen up (unl-S)
And I will teach you, a thing or two (T-ch)”
The children however, are not the only skilled acrobats, which is revealed when Miss Trunchbull takes to the vault. Craig Els, who plays Miss Trunchbull, is certainly one of the best parts of the show. He is terrifying and hilarious to watch; the perfect villain. If you’re wondering how they do your favourite scene from the film (remember those pigtails?), you won’t be disappointed. It’s even more shocking to see it live.
With its breathtaking moments and heartwarming scenes, I would highly recommend ‘Matilda the Musical’ to audiences of all ages. Despite this being a fun filled tale there is also a very important moral to be recognised. Good can overrule evil with a little hope and a helping hand. As Matilda says, even if you’re little you can do a lot, so don’t you let a little thing like little stop you!
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