Having started life in November 2010 at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, this production of Matilda the Musical kicks off its second UK and Ireland tour at Curve this October as part of the show’s 15th-anniversary celebrations.
Originally written in 1988 by Roald Dahl, Matilda is a heartwarming tale of kindness, courage, and the importance of standing up to bullies. It tells the story of a gifted young girl, who, despite being neglected by her parents and bullied by her headmistress – Miss Trunchbull – uses her intelligence and telekinetic powers to fight injustice, and bring happiness to her kind teacher, Miss Honey.
Adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, it is no wonder this show is such a success. Every song is performed perfectly, including the magnificent ‘When I Grow Up’, which was the first song originally written for the musical, and is performed with the children on swings, gliding over the audience.
In the classroom, the children burst into song with the rebellious ‘Revolting Children’, with every single line perfectly delivered. Each and every one of the cast is exceptional, with scenes making you want to laugh one minute, cry the next as the show takes you through a range of emotions.
But the star of the show is Matilda, played by Sanna Kurihara. This young lady is a triple threat even at such a tender age. Her diction is sparkling, her acting and singing is incredible and the audience hang on her every word.
She has the audience in the palm of her hand every time she confidently takes to the stage. Her delivery of ‘Naughty’ with lines including ‘Just because you find that life’s not fair, it doesn’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it’ is beautifully performed. Her rendition of the story of the brave acrobat and the escapologist is told so eloquently.
Matilda’s self-centred parents are well cast, with the platinum blonde, ballroom dance-obsessed Mrs Wormwood played by Rebecca Thornhill and the crooked businessman Mr Wormwood played by Adam Stafford.
Thornhill has a great scene with her dance tutor, Rudolpho, played by Ryan Lay, when they put each other through their paces during the performance of ‘Loud’.
Richard Hurst plays the evil bully Miss Trunchbull with relish. The gym scene is so well executed and one in which Trunchbull gets to show off her skills too!
Tessa Kadler is perfectly cast as the warm and caring Miss Honey who despite being bullied by her aunt, Miss Trunchbull, eventually finds the strength to stand up to her.
Brodie Robson plays an excellent Bruce, with great acting skills and brilliant singing voice too. Lavender, played by Dottie Jones is also exceptional in her role. Her scenes with the newt are thoroughly entertaining.
The other children in the cast – Portia Jefferies, Nicole Manumbre, Jacob Connor-Ashton, Sylvie Grace, Haiden Sihapanya, and Tate Masuku each shine in their own right throughout the performance.
The scenery is so cleverly thought out, from the gates to Crunchem Hall school and the classroom, to the Wormwoods front room, Matilda’s bedroom and Miss Trunchbull’s study to name but a few.
This is hands down my favourite musical of the year to date. If you have tickets, you are in for a treat.
★★★★★
Matilda is at Curve until Tuesday October 21.
Limited tickets available £10-£82.50
