Matilda the Musical Review
Hold on to your hats, because Matilda the Musical in London is a phenomenal blast! I can't believe I've gone this long without seeing this treasure. As a Roald Dahl devotee, a theatre enthusiast, and someone who thinks Tim Minchin is a hilarious genius, I was intrigued from the start. And, believe me, it did not disappoint!
I knew I was in for a wild journey the instant I laid eyes on Rob Howell's mind-blowing set. The eruption of colours and intensity was like a sensory overload, hitting me in the face (in a nice manner, of course!). And the surprises kept coming as the play progressed. The attention to detail was superb, with none of the half-hearted "painted wooden bush" rubbish that may be found in other shows. Matilda went above and beyond to offer us the most bang for our buck, and boy did she deliver!
Let's go on to the cast, because these people were on fire! Cara Jenkins played Matilda with a fascinating degree of angst, making her hardships feel all too real. And what about that voice? It's pure magic! But let's not overlook Alex Gaumond as Miss Trunchbull, the ultimate scene-stealer. Consider this: a man dressed as Trunchbull in drag. It was like a comedy match made in heaven! Gaumond embraced the role wholeheartedly, leaving no stone unturned in his desire to make us laugh. His surreal horse solo during "The Smell of Rebellion" had me in stitches. The man knows his way around a stage!
But Tim Minchin's music and lyrics were the icing on the cake. Simply put, the man is a genius. Matilda's observations on the subjective nature of colours made me wonder, "Wait, does red mean the same thing in my head as it does in yours?" My friends, this is mind-boggling stuff! And "Naughty," the anthem of empowerment, touched a deep chord within. Life isn't always fair, but that doesn't mean we have to accept it. Matilda, speak up!
In a nutshell, Matilda the Musical is a wild ride. It stays loyal to Dahl's original book, outperforming the American film adaptation. The set is amazing, the ensemble is fantastic, and the musical score is pure ear bliss. This show easily ranks among the most enjoyable musicals I've seen in a long time. So, do yourselves a favour and get these tickets. Believe me, you won't be sorry. Matilda the Musical is a delightful and humorous spectacle that will have you smiling from ear to ear. Don't pass up this opportunity!
