Matilda
****
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Tue 11 Dec
I’m sure most of us are familiar with the story of Matilda, either from the Roald Dahl novel or the film starring Mara Wilson, Danny Devito and Pam Ferris. I adored the film and being around the same age as Matilda, I spent probably too much time trying to move objects with my mind to punish my family when things didn’t quite go my way. But with my adoration for and familiarity with the film and story made me slightly hesitant about seeing the musical as, yet I was hooked from the very first song and it’s a triumph.
The music captures the audience immediately and there are some real sing-along numbers that will stay with you even after the performance has ended. The choreography is executed to absolute perfection by the adult and younger cast members alike and the set is cleverly put together.
The casting is brilliant; Sophia Ally as Matilda is magical and totally captures your heart, as do the other child members of the cast. Bruce Bogtrotter in particular does not disappoint in his all-important scene, conquering that infamous chocolate cake. Carly Thoms plays Miss Honey to perfection, the vulnerable heroine that we’re all rooting for from the off. Craige Els cast as Ms. Trunchbull really does deliver the “gigantic holy terror” Roald Dahl describes effortlessly. He is both hilarious and terrifying. The Wormwoods, Rebecca Thornhill, Sebastian Torkia and Matthew Caputo, are just as awful; you love to hate them and they’re every bit as ridiculously animated. They really are the parents from hell. I would urge you to return early from the intermission to see Torkia deliver a very amusing solo performance as Mr Wormwood.
Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin have very much given us a gleeful rendition of this classic children’s story and I strongly urge you to go and see it this Christmas at the Wales Millennium Centre, or any time if the opportunity presents itself. It’s an absolute joy for children and a perfect antidote to adulating for the rest of us. I left with a spring in my step and a reminder to be in control of my own destiny and to do what’s right, “even it if means being a little bit naughty.”
words Lauren Phillimore
Matilda is at the Wales Millennium Centre until Sat 12 Jan. Tickets: from £20. Info: www.wmc.org.uk