REVIEW: Matilda the musical UK and Ireland Tour (Bord Gais Energy theatre - Dublin).
Star rating: ★★★★
Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty. My first ever West End show back in 2016! For many people, it is their first connection with the world of musical theatre, whether through seeing the show or doing a school production of Matilda.
After the original film in 1996 and the musical movie in 2022, Matilda (written by Roald Dahl) features one of the most popular little girls in storytelling, following its success in the West End where the show has been playing for over 15 years at the Cambridge Theatre.
The story follows an extraordinary little girl who loves reading and is extremely smart. Because she spends most of her time at the library rather than at home, and lives with her unappreciative parents, Mr. Wormwood (Adam Stafford), Mrs. Wormwood (Rebecca Thornhill), and her brother Samuel Leon, she isn't very happy and can’t truly be herself. Thankfully, Miss Honey sees who she truly is, comforts her, and protects both her and her classmates from Miss Trunchbull, the terrifying head of the school.
The cast consists mostly of children, alongside a few adult ensemble members who give standout performances. We had the pleasure of seeing the talented Petra Hutchings in the role of Matilda, a role shared in rotation with Felicity Brown, Mollie Hutton, Sanna Kurihara, and Caroline Ravansari. The well-known character of Bruce is shared among four boys; in our performance, it was played by John Johnson (alongside rotation members Jett Austin-Richards, Isaac Cruickshank, and Kobi Lau).
It is a very demanding lead role with a lot of text, and I don't know how they do it, but it is impressive to see how talented they are. They are all so engaged in the show, knowing exactly what to do and say, and giving the audience precisely what they want.
Furthermore, there is Miss Honey, played by Tessa Kadler, who brings warmth and comfort to the role with her incredible voice in songs such as "My House". She is truly one of those teachers you wish you had in primary school.
Miss Trunchbull is played by Richard Hurst, who gives his very own touch to the role, resulting in hilarious moments. It is in the little things, the way he walks or his facial expressions that instantly set off the audience's laughter.
It still surprises me how impressive the set design can be for touring musicals. The theatre in London is smaller than the Bord Gáis, so I was very curious to see how they would adapt certain elements. There is detail in every little corner from the letters hanging around the stage to the library set with a clock telling time, and blocks spelling out words like "silence" or "quiet". Those are the little things that make it incredibly special, right down to Miss Trunchbull's office filled with all her trophies. but with the highlight of the swings during the song '“when i grow up.”
Tim Minchin’s songs are the cherry on top of this musical. Especially "Revolting Children", "When I Grow Up", and the clever "School Song", which highlights the beginning of school life with the older teen actors and the little ones starting school for the first time. The beats and vocals, combined with placing the alphabet blocks into the gate on the exact right beat, are absolutely outstanding.
Matilda the musical is a must see for young and old. Everything is so well done with, incredible cast giving the best of themselves and an absolutly amazing score.
Matilda the Musical is playing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre until October 18th. More info and tickets can be found here: https://www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/show/matilda-the-musical/
