Matilda the Musical (Princess Theatre) – theatre review

Deliciously subversive, Matilda the Musical is undoubtedly one of the high points of a year in which musicals continue to make their mark. Put simply, it is superb entertainment for children and equally engaging for their parents and grandparents.

This is no kids’ show with some crossover appeal, but a genuine five-star extravaganza that has wonderful pedigree and delivers on all fronts. Great writing, wonderful music, eye-catching staging (apparent from when you enter the theatre) and a few surprises are all part of the repertoire. Matilda is a cavalcade of fun from start to finish.

It is based upon the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox) and has been adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. You may well remember that Roald Dahl’s book was also turned into a 1996 movie directed by and starring Danny DeVito.

It is the story of a very special young girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a razor-sharp mind, dares to take a stand and thereby changes her destiny. Matilda Wormwood makes her mark the moment she enters school for the first time and is given encouragement by her caring teacher, Miss Honey (played by Elise McCann). That is quite the antithesis to the way she is treated (with contempt and disdain) by her self-absorbed parents (Daniel Fredericksen and Marika Aubrey). They ridicule her bookish ways and pander to her monosyllabic older brother, Michael (Daniel Raso). Matilda’s principal, Miss Trunchbull (James Millar), too, is a brute, who regards all children are vermin and enjoys dishing out punishment at every opportunity. But Matilda is nothing if not resilient and resourceful. She weaves captivating, if dark, stories and is determined to make something of herself and learn as much as she can.

Matilda The Musical is directed by Matthew Warchus (Ghost The Musical), with choreography by Peter Darling (Billy Elliot The Musical) and sets and costumes by Rob Howell.

It was originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and played in Stratford-upon-Avon from November 2010 to January 2011. The show transferred to London’s West End in October 2011 and swept the board at the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven gongs. It first appeared on Broadway in April 2013 and was feted as TIME Magazine’s Show of the Year, going on to claim four Tony Awards.

In Melbourne, the title role is filled by four alternates – Dusty Bursill, Tiana Mirra, Alannah Parfett and Ingrid Torelli. The night I saw the production, “my” Matilda was a revelation – assured and polished, with a strong voice. It was a real star turn if ever I saw one. Frederiksen and Aubrey are a real hoot as her selfish, vain, uneducated and uncaring parents – pouting, posturing and provoking. Frederiksen’s lairy, doubled breasted green suit isn’t one I will easily expunge from my consciousness. Talking about things burnt into one’s brain – the acerbic, “athletic” Miss Trunchbull, strutting about the stage spewing her sanctimonious bile, is a role for the ages. James Millar’s cross gender display is a rich and rewarding romp.

Matilda The Musical is, without doubt, one of the best, funniest and cleverest musicals I have seen over the past 30 years. Now is the time to rush out and buy your tickets, if you haven’t done so already. Matilda The Musical is playing at The Princess Theatre till 7 August 2016.

Alex First