The musical portrays the story of a child (named
Matilda), whose talents are dolefully neglected by her ball – dancing obsessed
mother (portrayed by Kay Murphy) and her fraudulent car salesman father (James
Clyde), who insists that books are unscrupulous to society. You may think that
is all of Matilda’s troubles and she can surely resolve that, but you are
mistaken. At school even the Headmistress, Miss Trunchball, a woman whose
mission is to imprison all children in the infamous ‘Chokey’ despises Matilda’s
aptitude to surpass her classmates. It appears only Miss Honey (Haley Flaherty),
the reticent and timid teacher of Matilda, and coincidental niece of Miss
Trunchball (Alex Gaumond) is the beacon of hope. When Matilda is revealed to have talents
above academic brilliance, it begs the question: can Matilda escape the world
of unappreciative parents and teachers?
Unique to any other show playing in the West End and Broadway,
this musical (some may say audaciously) relies on the infinite talents and
enthusiasm of the children, who are able to deliver the brilliant and hilarious
wordplay of Dennis Kelly. What I found most striking (in addition to the
wonderful talents of the children), was the scenery. As soon as you walk into
the theatre you are greeted with an alphabetical themed set that surrounds the
seats. With library shelves that scale the entire stage and swings that glide
over the audience in the stalls, you are guaranteed to be encapsulated simply
by the set.
So, whether you are 9 or 109, you will be singing
‘Matilda’, it will have you chortling at the comic lines written by Kelly that
are delivered with much conviction and expose by performers who are destined to
have a fruitful career in the Performing Arts industry. If you haven’t already,
I urge you to see it. Don’t be afraid to let the child rebel within you escape!
Jenny Brown, year 12
