Matilda was one of the unexpected musicals I watched recently. Unexpected because it wasn’t really on my list of ‘to watch’ and yet I’m glad I did.
The set itself was amazing. The bookcases, the school, the artwork involved need to be recognised.
The musical overall was a very good one, but I would have to say that children will enjoy it a lot more. This is mainly because the cast, a part from 5 adults, are all children and extremely talented ones at that and as I looked around the theatre the small kids were on the edges of their seats, excited for more.
Tasha Chappel played a wonderful and cheeky Matilda, bringing the character to life. However it was Craige Els’ Ms. Trunchball that had me crying with laughter. The sadistic headmistress who often reminisces of her hammer throwing days, and who (and you’re in for a treat here) swings little girls by their pigtails made the show. Craige Els brought Dahl’s character to life, to the point where you just wanted the character to stay on stage.
The music is what I would say the least favourite part. Don’t get me wrong, the funky and quirky sounds with the addition of a semi ‘rock’ song was hilarious. But when I watch a musical the songs normally get stuck in my head. None of these songs were memorable for me. In fact I am disappointed to say that as soon as I stepped out of the theatre, I could barely remember the lyrics to at least one song! This is saying something for someone who has songs constantly stuck in her head!
All in all, Matilda is a great musical, one I would recommend to watch especially if you have little kids! And while I can’t remember much of the lyrics I do know that sometimes ‘you have to be a little bit naughty’ which if you think about it, is a great message overall!
Matilda is performed by the RSC at the Cambridge Theatre.
The set itself was amazing. The bookcases, the school, the artwork involved need to be recognised.
The musical overall was a very good one, but I would have to say that children will enjoy it a lot more. This is mainly because the cast, a part from 5 adults, are all children and extremely talented ones at that and as I looked around the theatre the small kids were on the edges of their seats, excited for more.
Tasha Chappel played a wonderful and cheeky Matilda, bringing the character to life. However it was Craige Els’ Ms. Trunchball that had me crying with laughter. The sadistic headmistress who often reminisces of her hammer throwing days, and who (and you’re in for a treat here) swings little girls by their pigtails made the show. Craige Els brought Dahl’s character to life, to the point where you just wanted the character to stay on stage.
The music is what I would say the least favourite part. Don’t get me wrong, the funky and quirky sounds with the addition of a semi ‘rock’ song was hilarious. But when I watch a musical the songs normally get stuck in my head. None of these songs were memorable for me. In fact I am disappointed to say that as soon as I stepped out of the theatre, I could barely remember the lyrics to at least one song! This is saying something for someone who has songs constantly stuck in her head!
All in all, Matilda is a great musical, one I would recommend to watch especially if you have little kids! And while I can’t remember much of the lyrics I do know that sometimes ‘you have to be a little bit naughty’ which if you think about it, is a great message overall!
Matilda is performed by the RSC at the Cambridge Theatre.