You are not a trueborn 90s kid, if you haven’t seen or read about the adventures of a witty, young girl named Matilda.  The adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel Matilda into a prominent screenplay released in 1990s, united a child’s, desired fantasy, of having magical powers with the sometimes harsh realities of growing up, to tell the story of a neglected young girl who found love in reading books.  

Playwright Dennis Kelly brought this sensation to life in his contemporary rendition, ‘Matilda the Musical’.  Lyricist Tim Minchin’s, triumphantly cheeky blend of symphonic melodies allows each member of the audience, a moment to enjoy being ‘a little bit naughty’. As soon as you enter the Sydney Lyric Theatre, you are fronted with a brightly lit stage absolutely adorned in big, blocked, coloured letters, that irresistibly, attract you to piece together the hidden words.

Each character is so perfectly generated by the authentic acting and vibrant choice of costuming. Although actress Mara Wilson will forever be known for her exceptional role as the original Matilda, the little Bella Thomas sure gave her a run for her money in her outstandingly playful performance. Director Kelly humanises the masculine features given to the character of Miss Trunchbull by choosing to cast a male actor. James Millar encapsulated the evil nature of Trunchbull, not only by his intimidating persona and eerie accent but, possibly by the extended thick monobrow and gangling hairy legs that you can never seem to miss. You are constantly left to question how scenes are visualised before the production process. I still don’t understand how the scene in which, Miss Trunchbull throws Amanda by her piggy tails, was so flawlessly mimicked.

I sat in the audience surrounded by sounds of laughter and gazes of wonder, in absolute awe of the talent expressed on stage. I guess the standing ovation is a clear testament to the success of this magnificent production.  This is definitely a show for the whole family, so don’t miss out, Tickets are still available until January 2016.

– Jaimee Hassos

Photography References:
https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/1010/Matilda-The-Musical-tickets.aspx
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117008/
http://london.broadway.com/buzz/136283/tony-award-winner-matthew-warchus-will-helm-musical-adaptation-of-roald-dahls-matilda/
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/stage/matilda-hits-all-the-right-notes-at-lyric/story-fn9d344c-1227492260012
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/nov/27/matilda-the-musical-roald-dahl